By Matthew Go
The Laguna Water District (LWD), formerly the Los Baños Water District, announced on Tuesday the successful containment of arsenic contamination in its water supply with the completion of the PHP10-million Umali Coagulation Treatment Station in Barangay Batong Malake.
Speaking at the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum held at the Calamba Water District (CWD) function room, LWD general manager Jesus Miguel Bunyi outlined the improvements achieved through a joint venture agreement (JVA) with Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) signed on April 19, 2024. Under the agreement, MWPV manages operations while LWD oversees monitoring and compliance with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) 2017.
The treatment station is part of a PHP110-million project to improve water quality and pressure across service areas, with a goal of achieving 24/7 water supply coverage by 2025 and full compliance with PNSDW standards by 2028. LWD also expanded its service coverage to include the towns of Bay, Nagcarlan, and Victoria, prompting its rebranding to Laguna Water District.
Meanwhile, the Calamba Water District (CWD) reported advancements in water quality management through its Ultra Violet (UV)-Hydro Optic Disinfection System, which reduces chlorine levels in the water to safe concentrations of 1.2 to 3.1 parts per million (ppm).
“Consumers will notice a reduced chemical smell when drinking water directly from the faucet due to this innovation,” said CWD general manager Exequiel Aguilar Jr. He also highlighted efforts to maintain residual chlorine levels in pipelines to prevent clogging.
CWD supplies water to 47 of Calamba City’s 54 barangays, with 65% of its distribution coming from the Bucal Pumping Station, which now utilizes the UV system. Additionally, the district has implemented a Septage Treatment Facility in compliance with the Clean Water Act of 2004. The facility ensures wastewater management and environmental sustainability and is part of a PHP108-million project funded by the CWD.
Both water districts emphasized their commitment to improving water quality, sustainability, and compliance with national standards, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure safe and reliable water access for residents in Laguna.