The Sibalom Water District (SWD) in this province will be establishing an additional pumping station to prepare for the El Niño phenomenon.

SWD general manager Engr. Jonathan De Gracia said in an interview Friday they would establish their sixth pumping station at Barangay District 4 in the municipality of Sibalom this October to generate more water ahead of the expected El Niño impact.

“The new pumping station could generate at least an additional 150 cubic meters per day,” he said.

He said that currently, the water district generates 90,000 cubic meters monthly from their five pumping stations in Barangays District 2, Durog, Sulong, Nagdayao, and Panlagangan they supply to 4,000 houses and establishments from the 16 barangays of Sibalom.

De Gracia said the water district already experiences insufficient water supply because of the growing population, especially with the presence of the University of Antique Main Campus which has around 16,000 student population, even before the onset of the expected dry season.

“During peak hours, there are areas that already experience a lack of water supply,” he added.

They anticipated a request for water supply from other areas or neighboring towns once the El Niño
takes effect, so this early they are looking forward to an increased demand.

“We are just requesting other government agencies like the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to coordinate with us before drawing water from our faucets and to refrain during peak hours because other consumers are being affected,” he said.

He said that the peak hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

He also appealed to concessionaires to help conserve water by using pails instead of hoses when they wash their cars and basin when washing their dishes. (PNA)