ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Zamboanga
City Water District (ZCWD) is lifting water rationing here effective today,
July 4.
The onset of the 2016 rainy season, driven by
the South West Monsoon or Habagat, have brought about consistent rainfall in
the city since the month of May and June which slowly stabilized the dam level
to normal and a steady rise in ZCWD’s daily water production level.
ZCWD noted that the lowest river stream flow
recorded as of June 28 was 5,171 cubic meters per hour (m3/hr). The Surface
Water Production Facility (Water Treatment Plant & Old Reservoir) requires
only about 5,000 m3/hr of raw water to sustain its normal water production and
cater to the demand of its customers.
However, due to highly turbid water caused by
landslides brought about by heavy rains at the watershed areas, some sections
of the city will still experience low or no water. This occurrences will
require the frequent back washing (cleaning) of filters to ensure that the
water passes the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).
According to ZCWD, the activity can greatly
reduce the water production output of its treatment plant in Pasonanca as the
water used for back washing is clean water intended to be distributed to
customers.
Moreover, other areas will also experience low
water pressure or no water due to the regular maintenance and upgrade of the
water distribution and service pipelines. ZCWD regularly issues advisories to
the public before the conduct of these activities.
It was in the last quarter of 2015 that ZCWD
had advised the public to start conserving water due to the long dry spell felt
until the 2nd quarter of 2016.
About 57,000 consumers were affected by the
eight-hour water rationing scheme that started on January 8. However, the water
district implemented every-other-day water rationing on March 21 to stretch the
thin water supply and cater to as many customers.
ZCWD continues to urge the public to help
conserve water and immediately report leaks, illegal use of booster pumps and
illegal water connections.
To report any violation or for any concern,
please call ZCWD Customer Care Division @ 955 – 1007 to 1008; WTP 991 – 1553 to
1554 loc. 108 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
