The Laguna Water District Aquatech Resources Corporation (LARC) has recorded a significant increase in water consumption since the pandemic, Engr. Emil Q. Puerto reported during a virtual event. Held on Oct. 27, the webinar was hosted by the Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CSPPS) of CPAf.
LARC General Manager, Engr. Puerto said that the spike in water consumption was mainly from domestic or residential use. He associated the increased usage with households’ heightened sanitation practices and increased time spent at home. Meanwhile, the water consumption of commercial establishments and government offices decreased with the work from home arrangement and closure of some offices. These trends in water consumption of residential, commercial establishments, and government offices were observed in the service areas of LARC in the municipalities of Los Baños, Bay, Calauan, Victoria, and Nagcarlan.
The new dynamics in water consumption may persist after COVID-19, which might serve as a challenge for long-term infrastructure planning, according to Dr. Myra E. David, associate professor at CPAf.
Dr. David highlighted the need for supply and storage solutions to ensure there is adequate water available to everyone. “Policy decisions should gear toward a more sustainable management of this essential yet scarce resource,” she said.
CSPPS conducts policy seminars regularly to provide avenues to discuss relevant and timely issues on development and governance.
Author profile
