WATER SCARCITY
Maasin Dam registers lowest water level

By Leny G. Gabo

It seems that the worst is yet to come among water consumers serviced by the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).

Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) General Manager Lee Jayme Jalbuena said that MIWD's only source of water Maasin Dam, in Brgy . Daja , Maasin , Iloilo , has registered its lowest water level to date these past few days.

Jalbuena said MIWD technicians at present recorded Maasin Dam's water level at 93.62 meters above sea level, even lower by several points than last year's 93.66 meters.

Jalbuena feared that it could still go lower as the dry season is still ongoing as a result of the El Niño phenomenon.

In this connection, Jalbuena urged water consumers to conserve water.

He added “we could not predict when the El Niño would end. It is really needed that we use water wisely.”  

Early this week, the MIWD implemented the following schedule of water distribution as a result of the limited water supply from their source:

Maasin-Cabatuan (MWF 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. ); Pob . Sta. Barbara (everyday 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. ); Bolong , Cabugao (MWF 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. ); Pavia , Don Julio Village (Monday-Saturday 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. ); Ungka Pavia , Sambag Jaro (Tuesday to Thursday 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. ); Tabuc Suba , Alta Tierra (Tuesday to Thursday 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.); Bakhaw , Bolilao Mandurriao (MWF 4 p.m. to 9 a.m.); Puerto Real, La Paz (Tuesday to Thursday 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.).

It was learned that MIWD not only services Iloilo City but also the nearby towns of Sta. Barbara, Pavia and Maasin .

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 6 echoed the call to conserve water even as it said that the El Niño we are experiencing is only mild.

Agriculture Crops Division Chief Sofronio Parohinog said that this dry spell will last until July this year. He added that there is no intense heat characteristic of the El Niño but the phenomenon is most likely to create shortage of water in dams, in irrigations and moisture for upland crops will be critical.

The DA is on its toes in information dissemination campaigns on the nature of the El Niño and its immediate effects and how these can be addressed .  These campaigns also include water conservation tips, reusing and recycling irrigation water and balanced fertilization tips, coupled with information drive on proper use of water in households, farms and other venues.

The DA has been focusing on the implementation of appropriate technologies like small water impounding dams, installation of shallow tube wells (STW), as these have short gestation period and have relatively higher water use efficiency. (With reports from PIA-Iloilo)