Due to the decrease in water supply production, we have implemented since August 2018 a water rationing in order to distribute the limited water supply to as many concessionaires as possible. The schedule of water rationing then was based on conditions existing at that time, i.e. water supply production as well as climate and rainfall projections from PAGASA.

However, our climate conditions have not improved but instead worsened. In fact, PAGASA is now on El Niño watch due to the expected transition from warm-ENSO-neutral conditions to El Niño during Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 season. (See attached Photo 1 of PAGASA ENSO Alert System Status)

In addition, actual rainfall in Basilan from October 2018 was reported from BELOW NORMAL level to WAY BELOW NORMAL condition for the period November 1-25, 2018. (See attached Photo 2 of Actual Rainfall from October 2018 and Photo 3 of Actual Rainfall from November 1-25, 2018)This has a huge impact on our water supply resources as comparative reports on the water supply levels in our reservoir for the month of January and for the current period showed the huge decrease in the following percentages from normal:

Menzi WTP – 18.78%
Menzi Source – 63.88%
Balanban WTP – 14.35%
Salunoy WTP – 66.70%
Panunsulan Source – 54.84%
Lower Lanote Source – 58.34%

The decrease in the water supply levels also translate to overall decrease in monthly water supply production which is insufficient to meet water demand. (See attached graphs of comparative monthly water production in cubic meters)

Aside from the decrease in water supply levels due to climate conditions, leakages as a result of damages on the pipelines due to being hit by backhoe operations on the several on-going road repair works also further reduce the limited water supply available for distribution. The need to repair damages also affect water supply rationing schedules and also cause debris to clog the pipelines.

Consequent to low water level is low water pressure thus areas located in high elevations are more affected than those located in low lying zones because our water supply systems are all gravity-fed. Water pressure in higher areas are expected to increase when demand in low lying areas are decreased by water rationing. However, delays or changes in water supply distribution schedule are still expected contingent upon water supply levels and water pressure which varies from time to time.

Please be advised that it is best to store water in large containers whenever available especially late at night or at dawn when water supply partly increases due to lesser demand. We are also appealing for your support to report leakages as well as to help in conserving and/or reusing water.

We thank you for your understanding on conditions which are beyond the control of the water district particularly that which pertains to impacts of weather and climate factors. We assure the concessionaires that we are exerting all possible measures to improve water supply distribution until the water supply production returns to normal.