NWRB assures no water supply cut in Metro Manila at the moment

[ASEAN NOW News]

Angat Dam (File photo)

 

MANILA – While it assures there will be no water supply cut in Metro Manila, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Monday urged again the public to conserve water as the Angat Dam’s water level is now at 190.75 meters.

 

NWRB Director Sevillo David Jr. said the current water level in Angat Dam is ten meters lower than the previous years.

 

“Before the year begun and before the January started, we already reminded the public to start conserving water because the water level in Angat dam is lower than the expected level,” he said in an interview at the Laging Handa public briefing.

 

David said they are projecting that the supply of 190 meters can be at least stretched until May before it will go down to 180 meters, which is the minimum operating level of the dam.

 

“At that point, we can prioritize the water supply for those residing in Metro Manila areas,” he said.

 

He said the farmers in Bulacan, and Pampanga are nearing their harvesting schedules.

 

Thus, prioritize urban areas for water supply once the Angat Dam will meet its minimum operating level.

 

For the month of April, the Angat Dam saves at least five cubic meters from fifteen cubic meters per second since the supply for irrigation is being reduced during harvest time.

 

Meanwhile, he said the water supply in Metro Manila will remain at 48 cubic meters per second with the ongoing threat of the Covid-19 pandemic and because of the hot weather.

 

“That’s why the NWRB decided to maintain its current water allocation and there will be no cut to happen,” David said.

 

On the other hand, David said the cloud seeding operations seem to be getting positive results as the water level in Angat Dam slightly increased.

 

The NWRB continues the cloud seeding along with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

 

“We are hoping for same results in the coming days, and I think this cloud seeding operations is helping the Angat Dam to maintain its current water level,” David said.

 

As its short-term solution for water supply shortages, NWRB allows MWSS and other concessionaires to prepare deep wells.

 

The treatment facilities in Laguna Lake and Marikina River are also on standby.

 

Major projects are also slated as their medium and long-term solutions.

 

David said the government, through the National Economic and Development Authority, has already launched the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan, not only making enough water supplies but also seeking good sanitation.

 

The NWRB is also crafting a water security roadmap to make sure there is enough supply not only in Metro Manila but also nationwide. (PNA)

 

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