By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has pressed PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. to take immediate action as declining water supply continues to affect several areas in the city during the ongoing dry season.

During a coordination meeting at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday, April 16, Gasataya called on the utility provider to fast-track solutions to prevent a worsening shortage, particularly in hard-hit barangays.

PrimeWater representatives reported a significant drop in water supply from Bacolod Bulk Water Incorporated (BBWI), with output in northern Bacolod decreasing from 24 million liters per day (MLD) to 16 MLD.

The supply further fell to 11 MLD following pipeline leak repairs and damage to a reservoir, resulting in a total loss of 13 MLD.

The company also noted that overall production capacity has declined from 100 MLD to 87 MLD due to the dry season, with the possibility of further reductions in the coming days.

Despite this, the current output remains higher compared to last year’s 70 MLD capacity.

PrimeWater assured local officials that efforts are ongoing to resolve reservoir issues that have caused low water pressure across the city.

It added that water deliveries are being prioritized for areas with no supply, including Barangays Villamonte, Estefania and Taculing.

In response to the situation, Gasataya directed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to prepare water tanks and deploy water trucks to augment rationing operations in affected communities.

Diaz emphasized that ensuring reliable access to water remains a top priority, especially as demand rises during the dry season, vowing continued coordination with service providers to mitigate the impact on residents./CJ, WDJ