Butuan: The Butuan City Water District (BCWD) is energizing its pump stations and reconfiguring distribution lines to mitigate a continuous dip in water supply due to a lack of rainfall. The water district reported on Wednesday that these technical adjustments are focused particularly on the eastern side of Butuan City to ensure more efficient water movement.

According to Philippines News Agency, in response to the situation, the water district is energizing its pump station and reconfiguring its distribution line, particularly at the eastern side of Butuan City, as indicated in its public advisory. To provide immediate relief, the water district also implemented 'Oplan Sag-OB' starting Tuesday, allowing affected concessionaires to fetch water directly from Pump Station No. 1 in Barangay Baan.

The utility is currently operating at 41.61 million liters per day (MLD), which is significantly below its normal capacity of 56.5 MLD. The BCWD established the 'Oplan Sag-OB' system as a temporary alternative water source while the main distribution network remains at a reduced capacity. 'Concessionaires of BCWD can fetch water with a maximum of one cubic meter per account per day,' the BCWD added.

Water remains available at the designated pumping station along the national highway from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. To avail of the service, concessionaires must present an updated and active statement of account or a water bill receipt to the personnel assigned at the station. The BCWD also issued a health reminder for residents to boil water collected from tanks or containers before using it for drinking and cooking. The water district continues to coordinate with its primary supplier, Taguibo Aquatech Solutions Corp. for updates on the supply levels during the ongoing dry spell.