Manila Bulletin
Philippines
Metro Manila
QC LGU prepares barangays for daily water service interruptions
Philippines
Metro Manila
QC LGU prepares barangays for daily water service interruptions
QC LGU prepares barangays for daily water service interruptions
Published Jul 19, 2023 06:10 am
The Quezon City government has implemented various initiatives to help save water and aid residents affected by the expected daily water service interruptions in several barangays in the city starting Wednesday, July 19.
The Maynilad Water Services, Incorporated had earlier announced that the service cut will affect residents in the cities of Quezon, Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela (Camanava) due to the decrease in the water level of Angat Dam.
The water interruption initially started last July 12 (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.) but was also temporarily halted on July 15-16 when rain showers brought by Typhoon Dodong helped in elevating the dam’s water level.
With the expected resumption of the interruptions, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has instructed City Engineer lawyer Dale Perral to install and operate rain harvesting systems in city-owned buildings, including schools, which can store up to 6,000 liters of rainwater that can be recycled for various purposes.
The city engineer said the local government also has ongoing and upcoming retention basin projects that can help store up to 200,000 gallons of water.
“While retention basins are used for flood mitigation, they can also be a source of stored rainwater,” Perral explained.
He also said that Belmonte ordered the Infrastructure Committee (Infracomm) to look into the possible use of drip irrigation technology that can optimize the use of available water supply for ornamental plants and the city’s urban farms.
The city government said is also closely coordinating with water companies on leaks affecting their water lines.
“We encourage water companies with ongoing infrastructure projects like pipe laying and leak repairs to coordinate closely with the city government to ensure less public inconvenience. In the same manner, we are encouraging them to install water meters right beside government and school buildings and not too far from their compounds to immediately address possible water loss from leaks,” Perral said.
Belmonte also directed the Barangay and Community Relations Department (BCRD) to closely coordinate with Maynilad for the schedule of the deployment of water tankers to the affected barangays.
The city’s Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department has been actively campaigning for responsible water use or management.
The QC Public Affairs and Information Services Department (PAISD) and Quezon City Citizen Services Department will coordinate with Maynilad for the early release and dissemination of water interruption schedules on the official website and social media pages of the city government to notify the residents so they can make the necessary preparations.
Meanwhile, in Caloocan City, the local government said that water tankers are ready for deployment in case they are needed in the affected barangays during the water service interruption.
It added that residents can coordinate with them and their barangay officials for assistance.
In Malabon City, a rainwater harvesting system was also installed in Atis Compound, Barangay Potrero to aid the residents in watering their plants during the service interruption and in preparation for the hot season.