NIA, MIWD eye Jalaur river for Iloilo water supply

A new feasibility study will assess the viability of tapping the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) as an additional water source for Iloilo, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).

The MoU, signed Tuesday in Quezon City by NIA Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen and MIWD General Manager Alfredo L. Tayo III, will assess the potential transfer of up to 1 cubic meter per second — or 86 million liters per day — from NIA’s water rights to supply MIWD’s service area.

Subject to NWRB approval

The arrangement remains subject to approval by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

The MIWD will lead the one-year feasibility study, which will examine the technical, financial, legal, and environmental viability of the proposed transfer.

The study also includes plans for related infrastructure, including a portion of the JRMP II high-line canal.

While NIA retains full ownership of the overall canal system, the MIWD will construct, own, and operate the segment that delivers raw water to its facilities, which will revert to NIA after the project period.

The MIWD will also build and operate the intake and treatment systems needed to provide clean, potable water.

Landmark government project

“The JRMP II is a landmark government project, and this partnership opens new doors for optimizing its benefits beyond irrigation,” Tayo said.

“Through this MoU, we are laying the groundwork to responsibly utilize part of the Jalaur River’s water resources for safe, reliable, and accessible drinking water,” he added.

The MIWD serves Iloilo City and nearby municipalities including Cabatuan, Maasin, Oton, Pavia, Leganes, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara.

JRMP II is the first major water reservoir project outside Luzon, with components for irrigation, bulk water, hydropower and solar energy.