B. Monitoring Water Quality

The newly installed water supply for BAWAD has also the health component of which a water quality testing equipment is a vital tool. The said unit is maintained by the Rural Health Unit to check on BAWAD water quality. A close coordination with the RHU enables BAWAD to have access to water quality test results. Most often, BAWAD also collect samples from within the service area as well as from the source for potability test.

Parallel to the efforts of the RHU, BAWAD also has a well-equipped laboratory were water testing are done to maintain water quality supplied to the concessionaires.

Likewise, it is also part of the quality monitoring of BAWAD to regularly check residual chlorine so as to regulate dosage of same.

There is also a periodic sampling and testing for other physical and chemical properties of the source to check if water quality has changed or deteriorated with time.

C. Hydraulic Pipe Network

The hydraulic network diagram for the entire distribution system is laid out (see Appendix B page 25). The pipe sizes and concurrent pressure can be analyzed using this table. Pressure can then be determined at any point in the distribution system.

D. Leak Survey

Leak survey is regularly conducted especially when water supply drops at peak hours. Production and billed water of BAWAD is constantly monitored and from thereon, leak survey must be conducted. The survey is done at nighttime, when minimum activity occurs. Isolation valves are closed one by one while at the same time, discharge at the tank is measured.

Leak test is conducted from 10:00 PM until 4:00 AM. Results are encoded in the computer and outputs such as graphs and diagrams can be analyzed. Leaks are then verified in the field and proper repair is made.

F. Maintenance of Blow-off

The whole pipe network has 22 fire hydrants and blow-off locations. It is properly operated to wash out accumulated sediments or relieve pressure build-up when the pressure reducing valve malfunctions.

G. Meter Reading and Billing

At the first day of the month until the 11th, water meters are read from Zone 1 to Zone 11. Water consumption is measured against the production meter. Every concessionaire’s bill will become due after 15 days from the reading date. Hence, a 10% penalty is imposed on unpaid bills after due date.

Billing of water consumption follows LWUA rules of mixed block method. The first ten cubic meter is charged at P230.00. Water consumption above 10 cu.m. shall be charged accordingly based on the table of charges.

Three consecutive unpaid bills means a disconnection of services under the billing policy of BAWAD.