MPIW water supply dwindles, new rationing schedule in place

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Metro Iloilo’s main water provider, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), will begin a new rationing schedule on Tuesday, April 30, in response to the El Niño-induced shortfall in water production.

Water production has dipped below the critical level of 65 million liters per day (MLD), whereas normal operation ranges from 70 to 80 MLD.

“Our resources are drying up, our deep wells are slowly deteriorating, and with this, we are proposing a supply rescheduling… as of early this week, we are only receiving 60.065 MLD from bulk water providers. Therefore, this will be felt by our customers either with low water pressure or water availability,” said Angelo David C. Berba, MPIW’s Chief Operating Officer, at a press briefing on Friday, April 26.

Berba cited declining levels in key water sources, including the Aganan River, Maasin Dam, Tigum River, Sta. Barbara Treatment Plant, and Jalaur River, as factors for the drop in production.

The new schedule will alternate water supply in six-hour increments daily, aiming for efficient distribution amidst the limited availability.

“This six hours is better,” Berba stated, acknowledging that without this measure, residents could face water availability of only two hours per day.

Areas facing the new rationing include La Paz, Lapuz, Molo, Arevalo, City Proper, and parts of Sta. Barbara, Pavia East, Pavia West, Mandurriao West, and Sooc, Jaro South.

“We are all hoping and praying that it will rain so the situation can improve,” Berba said, adding a contingency for further cutbacks if the dry weather persists.

Berba appealed for public understanding and patience, emphasizing that MPIW is taking steps to manage the situation and maintain water distribution to affected areas.

The company is planning to deploy more water tanks in affected areas as needed and updates will be provided as the situation evolves.

The public is encouraged to use water wisely and conserve resources to help mitigate the impact of the ongoing water shortage.