State of calamity declared as lack of rain affects San Pablo City’s water source

San Pablo City in Laguna has declared a state of calamity because of a shortage in water supply.

San Pablo City Water District Community Relations Chief Alejo Genove told GMA News that the problem with the city’s water supply started in December 2018.

San Pablo sources its water from groundwater.

“Ang nagre-recharge ng ating mga groundwater, ng ating mga springs ay ulan. We didn’t receive enough rain,” Genove said.

San Pablo is composed of 80 barangays.

Only one barangay is not served by the SPCWD because it is situated on top of a mountian.

Of the 79 barangays serviced by the SPCWD, 25 experience less than 12 hours of continuous water supply.

To avert a crisis, the SPCWD must produce 45,000 cubic meters of water per day.

It is only able to produce 31,000 cubic meters now.

“Doon po sa sapat pa ang tubig na natatanggap nila, magtipid naman po tayo. Gamitin natin nang maayos ang tubig,” Genove said.

He warned that the water crisis will continue to be felt until next year, especially during the dry season when demand for water is expected to increase.

As temporary solutions, the San Pablo City Water District is fielding water tankers and constructing shallow wells.

It has also revived some of its deep wells.

For the long-term, it is trying to find other sources of water, including tapping two of Laguna's seven lakes. —NB, GMA News