MANILA, Philippines ? Ayala-owned Manila Water Co. Inc. is seeking the creation of an inter-agency task force on El Niño to prepare Metro Manila for a possible long dry spell over the next few months, according to a company official.

Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water manager for corporate communications, warned that this early in the year, the water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan is already 202 meters above sea level (masl) ? the lowest level recorded in the past six years.

?Normally, around this time, the water level should be around 208 masl,? he noted, adding that the critical level for the dam was 180 masl.

Sevilla said that Manila Water, together with Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System and Maynilad Water Services Inc., had submitted a tripartite letter to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) last week, asking it to look into the water supply situation in Metro Manila in view of a possible dry spell.

The NWRB is responsible for ensuring the optimum exploitation, utilization, development, conservation and protection of the country?s water resources.

Sevilla further said that the three companies wanted a formal declaration from concerned government agencies on whether the looming El Niño would be mild, moderate or strong, so they could prepare contingency measures as early as this month.

To further illustrate the urgency of the issue, Sevilla noted that from Sunday midnight to 8 a.m. Monday, the water level at the Angat dam had declined by nine centimeters.

He added that should the country experience a prolonged dry spell, it would mean that the water concessionaires, namely Manila Water and Maynilad, would have to decrease the amount of water it draws from the dam.

Currently, Manila Water provides 1,350 million liters of water per day (mld) to the east zone concession area, Water firm asks agency to form task force on El Niño.

Metro Manila?s 15 million residents draw 97 percent of raw water supply from the Angat Dam and Reservoir in Bulacan. Angat has an existing capacity of 4,000 mld for domestic supply.

Sevilla assured the public that Manila Water is putting in place several measures ?including looking for alternative water sources ? that could help address a possible prolonged dry spell.

?Even if there is a prolonged dry spell, we are still looking at making water supply available for our consumers 24/7. But we?re looking instead at supply management and pressure reduction measures,? he said while Maynilad supplies water to the west zone area of the metropolis.

Metro Manila?s 15 million residents draw 97 percent of raw water supply from the Angat Dam and Reservoir in Bulacan. Angat has an existing capacity of 4,000 mld for domestic supply.

Sevilla assured the public that Manila Water is putting in place several measures ?including looking for alternative water sources ? that could help address a possible prolonged dry spell.

?Even if there is a prolonged dry spell, we are still looking at making water supply available for our consumers 24/7. But we?re looking instead at supply management and pressure reduction measures,? he said.