Photo courtesy of Subic Water and Sewerage Co. Inc.
By: Alex Q. Galang
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — SubicWater and Sewerage Co. Inc. is expanding its backup water supply options to protect households and businesses in Olongapo City and the Subic Bay Freeport from a potential drought, with contingency projections pointing to a daily shortfall of 10 million liters under extreme El Niño conditions.
The utility is preparing to maximize output from its Morong Water Treatment Plant, revive reserve facilities and develop additional sources to keep water flowing as prolonged dry weather threatens river levels.
SubicWater Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Benjamin “Bobong” Antonio III said the contingency plan factors in historically low river levels and peak hot-season demand to determine how much additional supply the system may need.
About 98% of the water serving Olongapo and the Freeport comes from rivers, leaving the two areas vulnerable to prolonged drought that could reduce water availability.
Antonio said the projected 10-million-liter daily deficit under the worst-case scenario could be covered by the Morong facility, which is already supplying parts of the service area.
The company is gradually testing water deliveries from Morong to areas that could face declining supply, particularly if the Gordon Heights and Santa Rita rivers can no longer meet demand.
However, consumers in some locations may experience lower water pressure as the utility adjusts distribution, especially in areas farther from the Morong treatment plant.
SubicWater and Sewerage Co. Inc. CEO and General Manager Benjamin E. Antonio III presents the water utility’s outlook and preparedness measures for the forecasted Super El Niño to the Safety and Security Committee of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), as its effects could persist through the first half of 2027. (courtesy of Subic Water and Sewerage Co. Inc.)
SubicWater is also reactivating reservoirs, evaluating alternative sources and drilling new deep wells to diversify its supply and reduce dependence on river systems.
Antonio said current supply remains stable, with no immediate signs of shortage, but warned that conditions could deteriorate if temperatures rise sharply and dry weather persists.
He added that the projected Super El Niño could bring conditions beyond historical records, making early preparation essential to maintaining reliable service.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the Freeport’s preserved mountain watersheds provide an important source of water security, but called on residents, businesses and industrial locators to conserve water.
Aliño said he had discussed the utility’s preparations and emphasized the need to avoid waste even while supplies remain adequate.
The contingency measures are intended to sustain water services for households and businesses while protecting industrial operations in the Freeport, where dependable water supply is essential to production, logistics and continued investment.
Antonio said SubicWater would continue monitoring river levels, consumption and the performance of alternative sources as it prepares for the possible effects of Super El Niño.