Water loss down, MCWD saves P35M

WORLD WATER DAY
Water loss down, MCWD saves P35M 
By Candeze Mongaya
Cebu Daily News
March 23, 2011

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) yesterday reported a drop in water wastage from 2009 to 2010.

Waste during water distribution fell from 30 percent in 2009 to 28 percent in 2010, said engineer Ernie Delco, MCWD assistant general manager for operations.

The 2 percent drop translates to savings of 1.4 million cubic meters or P35 million of “nonrevenue water,” Delco said, adding that this is an achievement in time for today’s celebration of World Water Day.

“The reduction of non-revenue water means that more water was conserved and also indicates the efficiency of our water operation,” Delco said.

He attributed the savings to their inventory of leaks, rehabilitation of pipelines and reinforcement of the leak detection team last year.

Nonrevenue water is water that is “lost” before it reaches the customer.

The MCWD produces at least 60 million cubic meters of water annually. Leaking pipes often go undetected.

With less water loss, Delco said that the company also saved on energy costs.

The MCWD with the Cebu City government, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Cebu Uniting for Sustainable water will hold today a donors’ recognition and forum at the Buhisan Reservoir in barangay Buhisan, Cebu City, to celebrate World Water Day and the reservoir’s 100th anniversary.

“The event celebrates the involvement of the business sector in rehabilitating and protecting the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve while reducing poverty in the communities within the area,” said Reggie Marie Barrientos, communications officer of PBSP Visayas in a statement.

The stakeholders will launch projects at the reservoir including a nature center, butterfly garden, nursery for indigenous seedlings and a two-pond stormwater catchment.