The Dumaguete City Water District is urging consumers to help preserve ground water by not digging deep wells along the coastal areas to prevent over-pumping that may cause the intrusion of salt water into the main source.

Carlos Amasula, chairman of the Board of Directors of DCWD, said there is a need to maintain the watershed areas of Dumaguete, especially by huge establishments, resorts and hotels situated in coastal areas.

Amasula said that in Cebu, salt water intrusion has gone into irreversible proportions. Meanwhile, DCWD manager Esperatu Dicen said the district which marks its 30th year is committed to the health of Dumagueteños and the preservation of the environment.

He said that, as of the latest, the water production requirement in Dumaguete is 415,029 cubic meters for residential, 35,869 cubic meters in government installations, and 47,013 cubic meters daily in commercial establishments.

With 19,890 service connections all over the city, DCWD has more than enough water supply. More than 10 years ago, it upgraded its system by acquiring a loan with the Asian Development Bank through the Local Water Utilities Administration.

Amasula said the district is maintaining the watershed area in Lunga and Apolong Valencia, through a grant of P1 million and a yearly budget.

A watershed management organization was created among the local governments of Valencia, and Dumaguete, and the province to ensure proper project implementation.*JG

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