The supply and demand of metered water in Iligan City: a case for conservation.

During the World Water Forum in Morocco in March 1997 it was noted that water scarcity is not a problem to be faced at some distant time in the future. Rampant contamination and overexploitation excessive groundwater pumping destruction of watersheds wasteful habits industrial pollution and the increasing population all contribute to bring about a water crisis. In the Philippines water requirements are rising and it is typical to find communities and cities facing difficulties in obtaining water. In particular Iligan City presents a scenario where very cheap water results in excessive water consumption in high water pressure areas and water shortage in low water pressure areas. Other factors contributing to the wasteful water consumption in the city include unmetered water connections or defective meters high water supply pressure in several service areas and low level of awareness on water conservation. In response several programs were implemented in the city: 1) a 10-year water supply development plan; 2) water conservation initiative; 3) economic analysis; 4) 100% metering program; 5) pressure reduction; and 6) information education and communication campaigns.