SCWD has reiterated its request to its private partners PrimeWater-Sorsogon City and Abejo Waters Corp. to optimize the operation of all existing water sources and storage facilities in response to the demand for potable water of the growing number of concessionaires, which has reached 14,066 connections as of March 31, 2020.

SCWD Interim General Manager Engr. Eduardo P. Tejada, in a meeting with PrimeWater and AWC staff on Monday, April 13, issued the challenge in consonance with the critical role of water service providers during the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine and in preparation for the up-coming summer season.

PrimeWater Branch Manager Engr. Hendrickson E. Latonio confirmed on April 13 that spring sources production has decreased by 400 cubic meters per day (cmd), or from 4000 cmd to 3600 cmd. Springs water flows to OLV Pangpang, portions of Macabog and portions of Bibincahan, whose combined number of concessionaires is roughly a quarter of the total number of concessionaires.

Out West, IGM Tejada requested bulk water supplier AWC through plant in-charge Biff D. Bulanon to fast-track the implementation of the additional well development at St. Raphael Subd., Pangpang and the back-up extraction point at Cawayan River, Guinlajon. For the period April 1-13, AWC delivered an average of 4580 cmd out of the required 3000 cmd, which, according to BM Latonio, presently accounts for 75% of the supply for the West District.

PrimeWater-Sorsogon City looks to revive the operation of existing water sources and storage facilities currently on stand-by as Sorsogon City prepares for the summer months, the effects of which is now gradually felt by more than 70,000 water consumers in 34 barangays. On top of the list is the Pamurayan Pumping Station which only eight years ago averaged almost 480 cmd but is now practically idle, while a number of areas it used to serve report of low pressure/ no water.

IGM Tejada requested that Pamurayan PS be again operated using the original 15hp pump and motor and be applied the DMI 65 Filtration Technology to serve its influence barangays of Tugos, Pamurayan, Peñafrancia and Cambulaga. Pull-out of riser pipes and air-jetting have been completed as of April 16 while pump testing is on-going.

In addition, he commended PrimeWater for keeping its three pumping stations at Bacon District (San Pascual, San Isidro and San Vicente) in excellent condition while also ensuring water supply sufficiency in the eight barangays it serves.

SCWD, PrimeWater and AWC all agreed to enhance the communication between and among the three parties to meet the objectives of their respective partnership agreements, which would ultimately translate to improved water service to the 70,000 plus water consumers.