PrimeWater commits to boost Bacolod water supply

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. has pledged to augment Bacolod City’s water supply by up to 17 million liters per day (MLD) amid a critical water shortage intensified by the El Niño phenomenon.

In a letter to Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, the company detailed its multifaceted plan to enhance the city’s water infrastructure and reduce water loss.

PrimeWater stated its understanding of the urgent need for a dependable water supply and assured the city of its dedication to improving service delivery.

They have outlined a plan to optimize 12 deep wells within five months, potentially generating approximately seven MLD.

Furthermore, upon its turnover, the Highland Hills Subdivision water source will be activated to contribute up to one MLD.

Another key element of the initiative is the Forbes Hill water source interconnection and pipelaying project, which aims to reroute two MLD from the Forbes Hill Pumping Station to areas such as Eroreco Subdivision, Barangay Bata, and parts of Barangay Mandalagan.

In addition to infrastructure expansion, PrimeWater is set to undertake significant leak repairs to recover an estimated two MLD of non-revenue water (NRW).

The extraction and supply of five MLD from the Bocal-Bocal spring is contingent on the availability of water and the successful negotiation of terms with the water source’s owner/operator.

PrimeWater emphasized that these projects’ fruition hinges on favorable water quality tests and adherence to regulatory stipulations.

“Our undertaking to supply additional water volume from the foregoing projects is conditioned upon the result of water quality tests and compliance with other regulatory requirements,” the company said.

Committed to addressing broader issues such as climate change, population growth, and urban development, PrimeWater is eager to work collaboratively with local authorities and regulatory bodies to navigate any challenges these initiatives may encounter.

The company expressed enthusiasm for a partnership with the Mayor’s office and other relevant entities to ensure the provision of safe, reliable, and affordable water services to the city’s inhabitants and businesses.

Meanwhile, Mayor Benitez is proactively engaging with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to secure water rights for Matab-ang River, a newly identified source anticipated to supply an additional 20 MLD.

An alternate source, Bocal-Bocal spring, is projected to contribute 5 to 10 MLD to the city’s water system.

Mayor Benitez has announced a proposed budget of P50 million dedicated to constructing pipe-laying facilities, a swift response to the pressing water scarcity.

To accelerate the improvement of Bacolod’s water supply, the city government recently established a coordinating action team tasked with expediting these critical infrastructure projects.