Several residents in Samal Island, Davao del Norte are experiencing water supply shortages, prompting authorities to implement rationing.

“Nagpaabot lang, Ma’am, sa delivery gud sa city,” a resident said.

According to the island city’s water district, the shortage is caused by a significant decrease in water levels at local sources.

Because of this, water supply in several barangays has become irregular, with some areas receiving water supply only at night while others experience little to no supply during the day.

“Mabilar, usahay walay agas sa adlaw unya sa gabie moagas daghan pud mig manalod diri ang among style among abrihan ang kwentador para makatubig kay di man makasaka sa balay,” another resident said.

“Lisod gyud siya kaayo kay kinahanglan kaayo siya matag adlaw,” another resident added.

In Barangay Bandera, Kaputian District, residents continue to rely on free water from natural springs.

Residents in other areas served by the water district also travel to the area to access available water.

“Wa may laing kakuhaan ang water district wala may awas,” a resident said.

IGACOS Water District spokesperson, JR Orlanes, said the situation is being addressed through continued rationing in coordination with the local government.

“Mostly, sa water sources nato, under sa water district, nakasinati og pag-deplete sa water level. Sa part sa water district, padayon lang ang atong water rationing in coordination sa LGU sa IGACOS, sila ang nag-provide nato og tanker para sa water rationing niining affected barangays,” Orlanes said.

Vice Mayor Richard Guindolman added that as a long-term solution, the City Council has approved a P100 million loan from Landbank to fund a bulk water supply project in Kaputian District.

The project will source water from Tagbaobo Falls.

Mayor Al David Reyes also said the project will include filtration and distribution lines to reach every barangay, potentially reducing residents’ dependence on bottled water.

“Butangan nato og dako nga tubo para halos tanan Kaputian District mabutangan og dagko nga tubo nga makaabot sa matag barangay. Potable water siya moagi siya og filtration nga ipadagan sa matag balay posible nga mas makatipid atong kaigsuonan kay di na mopalit og mineral water nga ginabaligya,” Reyes said.