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The saltwater intrusion, officials say, is not just a problem – it is going to be a long-lasting one
BACOLOD, Philippines – The saltwater had crept in silently, affecting nearly 400 households across three villages in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. For the locals, this was more than just an inconvenience – it was a crisis, one that quickly caught the attention and alarmed officials.
Behind the scenes, experts pointed to a deeper issue. Years of over-extracting freshwater had drained the underground aquifers, leaving them exposed. The stronger currents of seawater, once held at bay, now surged inland, filling the void left by the missing freshwater.
The saltwater intrusion, officials said, was not just a problem – it was going to be a long-lasting one.
The coastal barangays of Man-uling, Isio, and Poblacion are among the affected areas, where sources of drinking water have become severely saline, forcing residents to buy potable water from neighboring barangays.
Local and health officials have attempted remedies, but so far, without success.
With no other options, Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara said in a press conference on Wednesday, October 9, that the local government has created a technical working committee (TWC) to look into the problem for the sake of over 2,000 residents.
The TWC includes representatives from the Cauayan Water District (CWD), and the offices of the engineer, health, assessor, agriculture, and mayor.
The town government has applied for a P90-million loan from a government bank to address the problem, according to Tabujara.
He said they have also tapped those with expertise in water projects and programs to help analyze and resolve the situation.
“We need to address this saltwater intrusion by exploring viable alternatives; otherwise, it will continue to affect our constituents in the three barangays,” the mayor said.
Engineer Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO), told Rappler on Thursday, October 10, that there is no solution.
“It’s the result of over-extraction of freshwater, which leaves the underground aquifers empty. Since seawater currents are stronger than freshwater from the mountains, saltwater intrusion is irreversible,” Gerangaya explained.
He said the problem is going to be permanent.
Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral advised Cauayan residents to avoid drinking water from sources contaminated by saltwater intrusion.
“It’s a no-no to humans,” Maestral said.
She also warned that prolonged exposure to saltwater, such as through daily bathing, may dry the skin, and that highly saline water used for household chores could corrode home appliances and other items. – Rappler.com
