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CALL FOR RAIN
MIWD asks DA for cloudseeding; water rationing continues

Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) has already requested the Department of Agriculture to conduct cloud seeding operations to impede the low water level at the Maasin Dam.

MIWD General Manager Le Jayme Jalbuena said the DA has acceded to their request and is now waiting for the right timing to conduct cloud seeding operations.

Cloud formation and wind direction are the primary considerations in cloud seeding operations.

Several water consumers in the city have complained that there is no more water that comes out of their faucets.

Jalbuena explained that this usually happen in dead end areas like San Lorenzo, Baldoza and Loboc in La Paz; Rizal Street in the City Proper; Villa Carolina in Villa and Baluarte in Molo.

“We are looking for remedies to address the situation,” Jalbuena assured.

Jalbuena said for three days since Tuesday last week the Maasin Dam recorded its lowest water level at 93.54 meters above sea level.

He said the cloud seeding could produce rain that would help increase the water level at Maasin Dam.

Maasin Dam is the only source of water of MIWD which services not only Iloilo City but neighboring towns of Sta. Barbara, Pavia and Maasin.

Earlier, the MIWD imposed water rationing among it coverage areas due to the low water supply from its source.

The water rationing schedule is as follows:

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.).

Jalbuena said the water rationing is still in effect until the water level at Maasin Dam stabilizes.

As to the complaints of some consumers that they are charged of the same amount in their water bill despite the fact that nothing comes out of their faucets, Jalbuena surmised that said consumers may be using electric motors.

To avoid such situation he adviced that consumers should not force the pumping of water if there is nothing left to pump because it would reflect on their water meters.

Jalbuena apologized to water consumers for the incovenience even as he called on them to do their share to conserve water.