Cebu Advocates Call for Urgent Action on Water Security and Contamination Threats
The Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (Cera) have issued a strong appeal to the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), urging immediate measures to bolster water security and prevent potential contamination and significant supply losses in Metro Cebu. According to Cera convenor Nathaniel Chua, the current Non-Revenue Water (NRW) levels at MCWD represent what he describes as a fiscal and humanitarian disaster.
High Losses and Consumer Burden
Despite recent increases in water rates, MCWD continues to lose between 30% and 32% of its total water supply due to persistent issues such as leaks, theft, and metering errors. This loss exceeds the 20% ceiling set by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), placing a heavy burden on consumers, particularly low-income households. Chua emphasized, MCWD is straining the household budget to fund a system that is literally bleeding consumers dry. Why should the public pay for 'ghost water' that never reaches faucets?
Contamination Risks During Power Outages
Cera has highlighted serious contamination risks, especially during Yellow Alerts when power outages at pumping stations could reduce water pressure. This drop in pressure may create a vacuum effect in pipes, potentially drawing in contaminated water from nearby sources. Areas of particular concern include Pond A and the Bagsakan operations at the South Road Properties (SRP), which serve as major water distribution corridors and are close to waste accumulation sites.
Over-Extraction and Environmental Threats
Additionally, the group warned that Cebu's aquifers are in a state of over-extraction, which could lead to land subsidence and the intrusion of saltwater into groundwater reserves, especially during drought periods. This environmental degradation poses long-term risks to water quality and availability.
Call for Comprehensive Solutions
In response to these challenges, Cera is advocating for more aggressive actions, including:
- Replacing aging 40-year-old pipes to reduce leaks and improve efficiency.
- Ensuring non-interruptible power supplies at pumping stations to maintain consistent water pressure and prevent contamination.
- Implementing proper waste management practices to protect clean and safe water sources for Cebu residents.
These measures aim to address both immediate inefficiencies and long-term sustainability, safeguarding the water supply for the community.
