Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya—Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that free flowing spring waters in the upland towns of Sta. Fe and Diadi will soon be regulated for conservation and to maximize its use for domestic and irrigation purposes.
Edna Willie, Planning Officer of the DENR here, said an Information Education and Communication campaign has been initially conducted among water users along the national highway stretch in barangay Oriwong in Diadi and in barangay Poblacion in Sta. Fe towns to encourage the stakeholders to practice efficient use of free-flowing water.
“These are identified pilot areas for the implementation of water conservation measures among the villagers who are not aware of the precious importance of water to other areas,” she said.
Willie said the IEC campaign was conducted in partnership with the DENR regional and provincial offices, National Water Resources Board, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, and the local government units concerned.
Willie said one of the proposed interventions to regulate the water use within the pilot areas will be the establishment of a water reservoir and water regulators among the water users.
She said the free flowing water in the said areas also provide livelihood among the villagers, using them for car washing in exchange for a fee aside from domestic use.
“They were told to regulate their use of water as they are also required to pay water fees later because of their business,” Willie added.
The free flowing water also poses a threat to the national road as it can also damage the concrete pavement when it seeps under it, she said.
The LGUs concerned were also tapped to prepare strategic actions to further implement water conservation and regulation among the villagers affected including other responsibilities to sustain the quality and supply of water within the watersheds.
