Of the several water sources existing on the planet, groundwater provides most of the world’s drinking water, as more than fifty percent of the total population relies on it. Yet, this vital resource often goes unnoticed by most people as it is out of plain sight, unlike surface waters such as rivers, lakes, and creeks which are very much visible. Groundwater is the precipitated water that seeps underground and accumulates in the spaces between sediments, soil, and cracks within rocks. It is a key player in sustaining ecosystems and helps in maintaining river and stream flow during dry seasons.

Metropolitan Naga Water District’s (MNWD) service coverage area benefits greatly from groundwater. It is also one of the main sources where most local districts extract potable water for distribution with the use of pumping stations. In a nutshell, this is how MNWD pumping stations are formed and operated: a deep well must be drilled in order to penetrate the rocks or sediments that holds groundwater, which are called aquifers. A pump motor is then used to draw water from the well and up above the ground. The extracted water will be disinfected and shall undergo chemical and physical tests. Before it can be distributed to the consumers, the water must first meet the criteria stipulated in the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW) of 2017. Pump operators conduct daily disinfection and monitoring to ensure the health and safety of the MNWD concessionaires.

Groundwater, as a precious resource, offers infinite advantages to the community if properly utilized. Being the water service provider for thousands of consumers, MNWD campaigns for the protection of water sources, such as groundwater. Moreover, this year’s World Water Day Celebration puts the limelight on this hidden gem by raising awareness on its importance and promoting conservation and intelligent use, “making the invisible visible.” (YMMSavilla)

MNWD extracts water supply from underground with the use of pumping stations which are daily monitored by pump operators.