GREEN CATCH The algal bloom in Laguna de Bay may have affected water production but not the harvesting of “tilapia” from the lake. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Water consumers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces will continue to feel the supply crunch as dam levels drop further due to the El Niño phenomenon, on top of the algal bloom affecting Laguna de Bay and needed repairs in the distribution system.
Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc. have both announced service interruptions as they implement supply management.
Maynilad customers will experience pockets of service interruptions while those covered by Manila Water should expect rotational supply disruptions ranging from low pressure to no water.
Running low
In a statement, Manila Water said that its reservoir supplies were running low. As of 5 a.m. on Monday, the water level at Angat Dam was at 165.27 meters above sea level (masl) while it was 68.64 masl at the La Mesa Dam reservoir.
Angat’s minimum operating level is 180 masl while La Mesa’s critical level is 69 masl.
“Raw water availability remains variable day to day and this results in varying water service outlook across the east zone daily,” Manila Water said.
As of June 9, rotational service interruptions of four up to 21 hours were to be expected in areas under its coverage, including Quezon City, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Parañaque, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig and parts of Rizal province.
Maynilad also announced in a statement that emergency interruptions would be implemented in some of its concession areas “until we are able to stabilize supply in our system.”
High demand
This was being done “[to] manage the quick drawdown of water from our reservoirs due to high water demand.”
Maintenance work will also be conducted on June 11-12 at its La Mesa Treatment Plant 1 in Quezon City to give way to the reinstallation of a component pulled out for repairs in April.
As a result, its customers in parts of Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Pasay, Navotas, Makati, Manila, Las Piñas and Parañaque in Metro Manila; Bacoor, Cavite City, Imus, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite province will experience temporary water service interruptions lasting from eight to 21 hours.