The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has started delivering water to areas in Bacolod City experiencing low supply, as the El Niño phenomenon further exacerbates Baciwa-PrimeWater‘s shortage problem.
“Bacolod’s BFP is actively collaborating with barangays to address low water supply issues affecting multiple areas. The BFP will prioritize responding to calls initiated by barangay officials exclusively,” the Bacolod City government announced on Wednesday, March 6.
“Residents are encouraged to coordinate their water needs through their respective barangay offices,” it added.
Baciwa-PrimeWater will also partner with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office for water augmentation in the barangays.
The BFP said it started delivering water to Eroreco Subdivision, Purok Casiana and Purok Sulom 1 in Brgy. Mandalagan starting February 28.
City Administrator Lucille Gelvolea said the BFP was augmenting water needs in areas where there is a lack of Baciwa-Prime Water supply.
Barangay captains have been asked to determine water availability in their areas, she said.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said that “the impact of El Niño is currently affecting our water supply. There are ways to conserve water – let’s unite and take action together”.
Benitez, in a Facebook post, said the following are ways on how the public can help:
*Take shorter showers;
*Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Even a small drip can waste 50 gallons or more of water daily;
*Avoid using your toilet as an ashtray or waterbasket. Every cigarette butt or tissue flushed wastes five to seven liters of water;
*Use the washing machine only for full loads;
*Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or scrubbing dishes; and
Educate others. Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to adopt water-saving practices.