DSWD turns to mobile water systems as El Niño preparations intensify

MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has stepped up efforts to lessen the impact of El Niño on vulnerable communities by banking on mobile water treatment facilities and water tanker units to help address potential shortages in affected areas.

During a media briefing in Quezon City, DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Maria Isabel Lanada said the agency has positioned mobile water treatment units in different regions to ensure communities can access safe drinking water when regular sources become scarce or unsafe.

“Mayroon din po tayong inilalagak na mobile water treatment unit sa ating mga rehiyon para kapag may mga lugar na mahirap ang tubig at kailangang i-treat ang kanilang tubig ay dito po natin dinadaan sa mobile water treatment unit,” Lanada said.

The initiative forms part of broader disaster readiness efforts being undertaken by government agencies following instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen preparations against the effects of El Niño and other emergencies.

According to Lanada, the equipment allows the agency to convert water from various sources into potable water for residents, particularly in areas grappling with drought conditions or disrupted water services. 

The department’s tanker units can process and distribute thousands of liters of drinking water every hour.

“Ang two water tankers natin ay nagsu-supply ng malinis na tubig. Ang isa ay treatment unit at ang isa naman po ay potable water. May capacity po ito na 2,500 liters per hour na pwedeng ipamigay sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.

Before any water source is utilized, however, local authorities are tasked with verifying its safety. 

Lanada said the DSWD works closely with local government units and health offices to ensure water quality standards are met before treatment and distribution begin.

“In collaboration po ito sa local government units at nandiyan po ang ating mga Provincial Health Office at mga Municipal Health Office para umalalay po. Ibig sabihin, yung water source ay tinitingnan po ng mga local government unit under the City Health Office and Municipal Health Office kung ligtas po yung pinanggagalingan [ng tubig],” she said.

Aside from deploying mobile water systems, the agency is also looking at existing community-based water resources developed under its Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) program.

Under the initiative, small water impounding projects serve as water reservoirs that may be tapped during periods of limited supply. Once local governments determine that the stored water is suitable for treatment, it can be processed through the DSWD’s portable facilities and distributed to residents.

“For example, yung Project LAWA, yung SWIPs o small water impounding projects, kapag may tubig po doon, tinitingnan yan ng LGU kung malinis o kaaya-ayang ipasok natin sa ating mobile water treatment unit,” Lanada said.

Project LAWA was established to help communities better manage water resources and strengthen resilience against climate-related hazards. 

Through infrastructure such as small water impounding facilities, the program aims to provide localities with an additional buffer against the effects of prolonged dry spells, heavy rains, and other weather extremes.

With forecasts pointing to continued climate-related challenges, the DSWD said ensuring reliable access to clean water remains a key component of its disaster preparedness strategy, particularly for communities most susceptible to the effects of El Niño.