Cebu to digitalize water distribution, billing

The Province of Cebu will soon implement the digitalization of water distribution systems through the Inter-LGU Waterworks Systems starting with the municipality of Carmen.

Under the system, every cubic meter consumed would be electronically fed into the central system and automatically generate the corresponding bills that will be distributed to the different households, explained Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

It will be Smart water meters with the use of wireless technology that will be utilized while meter readings can be done remotely but ensuring accurate data. These will also provide immediate information on leaking and water wastage.

Garcia added that leeway payment will be adopted just like the electric cooperative.

“We are giving the consumers leeway upon receipt, same as CEBECO(Cebu Electric Cooperative) were they give several days. But failure to pay would automatically shut off the meter until bills are paid,” the governor said.

She decided to use smart water meters to avoid common hitches that come with manual reading.

Bills payment will be accepted through Kwarta Padala and directly remitted to the provincial Treasurer’s Office.

The first to be served through the technology is Carmen.

Garcia said that 14 communal faucets are to be installed in Carmen, for those households who cannot afford the water meters in their homes.

” We will have prepaid water meters in these communal faucets, if you buy P20, the faucet will release P20 worth too,” she said.

p: wjg