A few residents in Barangay Muelle Loney, Iloilo City have been drawing water from wells. 

According to residents, they used to draw 30 gallons when water was yet flowing profusely from the aquifer (the ground’s layer of water-bearing rock or sediment). But as the dry spell progresses, well water level has receded and could only fill at least seven gallons.

Residents have to wait for hours for well water to collect before their supply could get replenished.  

Conservation measures include using rice washings to water the plants, the residents said. 

Barangay Muelle Loney is one of 15 barangays dealing with medium risk when it comes to water supply during dry season, according to the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment of the Iloilo City Local Government Unit. 

Nine barangays are considered high risk.

According to the initial monitoring of the Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), 80 barangays or about 40 percent of 180 city barangays, were recorded to have experienced below-normal level of water supply. 

The Iloilo City ENRO has vowed to assist water rationing to affected barangays the moment supply of water continues to recede and reach critical level.