THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) saw a 13.9 percent drop in water consumption in March 2020 compared to the same period last year.

Jose Daluz III, MCWD chairman of the board of directors, said a large majority of the water consumed in March was residential use.

He noted that it has overtaken industrial use due to the closure of establishments amid the imposed community quarantine in Cebu City earlier in the month.

MCWD operations chief Edgar Ortega said the drop was also due to the closure of industrial and commercial establishments in the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

Another factor is low production from the Jaclupan wellfield, which is “normal every summer season.”

“But in the southern part, the reduction in consumption is normal every summer season because of low production from Jaclupan wellfield,” Ortega said.

He said this usually takes place in some areas of Talisay City.

Ortega emphasized that the closure of malls in Cebu City did not affect the reduction of water consumption as such establishments have other water suppliers.

He admitted there are still areas in Cebu City where the status is considered “low pressure to no water.”

To answer this problem, especially amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the MCWD has deployed 27 water tankers to provide water supply to select areas in the city.

The areas covered by the mobile water supply project are Barangays Bario Luz, Kamputhaw, B. Rodriguez, Inayawan (White Road), Pardo (market), Ramos Market, T. Padilla, MJ Cuenco, Lahug, San Roque in Barangay Banilad, Basak (Bontores), Sandayong, TB Pavillion, Osmeña Boulevard (College Assurance Plan), Sambag 1 Barangay Hall, Junquera street, Gorordo Avenue and Sawang Calero.

Barangays Subangdaku and Looc in Mandaue City and Barangay Lawaan 3 in Talisay City were also included. (JJL)