MWSS water share increased for Luzon lockdown needs, but . . .
MANILA, Philippines — The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has raised the water allocation of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) until April 30, the end of the extended Luzon lockdown, even as water from its primary source, Angat Dam, continues to drop to below normal operating level.
In his third weekly report to Congress, President Rodrigo Duterte said the bigger allocation to the MWSS was aimed at curbing “the spread of COVID-19 with frequent hand-washing and bath-taking as part of personal hygiene.’’
Conserve water
The NWRB increased the water allocation to the MWSS, the regulator of private water concessionaires in Metro Manila and nearby areas, from 42 cubic meters per second (cms) to 46 cms.
Despite the bigger volume, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Tuesday urged the public to conserve water during the dry season.
“The CCC encourages everyone to avoid the unnecessary and excessive use of water, especially now that there is greater household demand due to the imposed enhanced community quarantine,” the agency said in a statement.
As of Tuesday morning, water elevation in Angat’s reservoir was recorded at 192.95 meters, at least 17 m below the normal operating level of 210 m. The dam, located in Norzagaray, Bulacan province, supplies more than 90 percent of water to Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
According to the CCC, inadequate and intermittent water supply could have massive impact on various sectors, particularly health and agriculture.
Water is also a crucial resource amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus, as frequent hand-washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
Around the same time last year, Metro Manila grappled with severe water shortage, during which service interruptions and decreased allocations disrupted both household and commercial activities.
Angat Dam has failed to fully recover from the decreased water levels even during the rainy season last year, stoking fears of yet another shortage during this year’s dry season.
In his report to Congress released on Monday night, Mr. Duterte said the government was implementing measures to ensure a stable supply of water, energy and fuel as the country fights the novel coronavirus crisis.
The President said there was enough water, with the level in Angat Dam reaching 193.92 m as of April 9, or 13.92 m above the minimum operating level of 180 m.
This water level is 5.14 m higher than the figure during the same period in 2019 when Metro Manila reeled from a water shortage.
Moreover, Mr. Duterte said the water levels in Ipo Dam and La Mesa Dam were 100.7 m and 77.09 m, respectively.
Rainfall forecast
“The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s rainfall forecasts project sustainable water supply in the Angat reservoir in the coming months,” he said.
In his report to the congressional oversight committee last week, the President said more than 232 water projects were being undertaken to help ensure an adequate water supply. More than 500 water districts had committed to deliver safe drinking water to 4.7 million households, he said.
Energy supply
Mr. Duterte also assured the public that the energy supply continued to be “sufficient” with a high level of reserve capacity for power generation at 37 percent as of April 8.
The country had an inventory of crude and refined oil products good for 56.4 days as of April 8.
The President noted that the Department of Energy had established a 24/7 Bayanihan Energy Service hotline to look into the concerns of industry players and consumers.
—With a report from Jhesset O. Enano
