The Sibalom Water District (SWD) is undertaking the repair and maintenance of one of its three water pumping stations in preparation for the high demand this summer and the El Niño phenomenon.

SWD general manager Engr. Jonathan De Gracia, in an interview Monday, said they started the repair and maintenance work of their pumping station in Barangay District 1 on March 25-26 and will resume on March 29 to April 1.

“We are apologizing for the water interruption experienced by our consumers over the weekend, but we need to prepare for the high demand with summertime and the El Niño phenomenon by October,” he said.

De Gracia said they needed to dig deeper for their pumping station in Barangay District 1 to reach a depth of 40 feet from the current 30 feet for more water supply.

The current demand of 2,500 cubic meters per day is expected to increase to 3,000 cubic meters during summer.

The SWD’s 4,000 consumers are advised to save water for household use and for other purposes in preparation for the repair and maintenance set this March 29-April 1.

“Water consumers, particularly in the upland areas Barangays Bari, Districts 3 and 4, are being advised to save water,” he said.

He said the water generated by the two pumping stations may not be able to reach the upland barangays. (PNA)