The Davao City Water District (DCWD) assured Dabawenyos that the bulk water supply project is sustainable.
Ms. May Che Capili, External Relations Officer of Apo Agua, DCWD’s project partner, said during the ISpeak Media Forum on Thursday that based on their studies, there is enough water in the Panigan-Tamugan watershed to sustain the bulk water project.
She also mentioned during their presentation at the 1st Regular Session of the 20th Congress on Tuesday that they have an indoor treated water reservoir used to provide water to DCWD when downtime occurs.
DCWD Spokesperson Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod also said during the forum that they will fully operate the groundwater sources should there be downtime on Apo Agua’s end. They have also prepared a mechanism to prioritize the distribution of the remaining bulk water supply in District 2.
“With respect to their downtime, we also created a mechanism to prioritize ang katong District 2 areas with whatever bulk water supply is remaining, the other areas nga sufficient ang groundwater atoa lang sang ifully maximize ang groundwater system [With respect to plant downtime, we also created a mechanism to prioritize areas in District 2 with whatever remaining bulk water supply, while other areas with sufficient groundwater, we will maximize the groundwater system],” she said.
Duhaylungsod also added that they have several contingency plans to sustain the availability of water during the El Niño.
“Prior to the bulk water, the threat is actually very minimal, compared to surface water, minimal ang effect with respect to quantity to groundwater kung naay El Niño because it is around 200 m below ground so dili kaayo siya maapektohan. But you have the surface water and then you have the groundwater, we have a lot of contingencies available. It’s just a matter of how we can operate one while the other is not enough to sustain yung water demand [Prior to the bulk water project, there was minimal threat with regards to the effect of El Nino on groundwater sources which are around 200 m below the ground unlike with surface water. However, since we have both surface and groundwater sources, we have a lot of contingencies, it is only a matter of how we can operate one while the other is not enough to sustain water demand],” she added.
The DCWD is reminding the public to report cases of low water pressure as well as issues with water quality since operational adjustments are still ongoing. Dabawenyos may contact DCWD through their hotlines (235-3293 and 244-6767), text support (0927-798-8966, 0908-441-0653, and 0925-511-3293), and chat support on DCWD’s website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) or Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/officialDCWD). CIO
