An executive of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday urged water districts to use solar power in processing water to lower production cost.

“If we are able to conserve and utilize solar power, the cost of electricity will be lower, price of water will be lower,” Carlos Primo David, Undersecretary for Water Resources Management Office, said during the opening program of the 5th Philippine Association of Water Districts Convergence 2024 and the 50th Anniversary at Baguio Country Club.

David said at least 20 percent of the cost of producing water is spent on electricity.

He said the DENR has loan facilities to assist water districts procure solar panel facilities.

In his presentation, he said three water districts to date have entered into a memorandum of agreement with the DENR for a loan program to finance the installation of solar panel facilities and utilize renewable power to extract water and for other water supply processing needs.

He said 33 others entities are being assessed after DENR received their proposals for the same loan facility.

He also urged water districts to harvest rainwater as a way of avoiding wastage.

“We have abundant water supply during the rainy season, which we do not impound and it goes to the ocean. And that is the problem since once the dry season arrives, there is no water,” he said.

David said DENR is collaborating with the Department of Public Works and Highways to come up with flood control projects that will double as irrigation systems and infrastructure for reforestation.

“We are now working with them to make their flood control program not just about infrastructure but also for reforestation. We are now more on nature-based solutions,” he added. (PNA)