MWSS: Expect water service gaps starting next week

INQUIRER file photo

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said on Friday that households must brace themselves for water service interruptions by next week as the water level in Angat Dam continues to drop amid the El Niño phenomenon.

MWSS division manager Patrick Dizon said the dam’s water level was expected to reach the 180-meter operating minimum on Saturday.

Data from the website of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration showed that water elevation at the dam was at 180.45 meters on Friday morning, some 20 meters above the critical level of 160 meters.

Water from Angat, estimated at 4,000 million liters per day, flows to the La Mesa and Ipo Dams to help provide water to Metro Manila and nearby provinces through water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc.

When the water level dips below 180 meters, supply priority is given to Metro Manila households rather than other uses, such as irrigation and power generation, to ensure minimal service interruptions.

According to Dizon, water service interruptions are expected by next Wednesday and may last up to nine hours mostly within the concession area of Maynilad.

“But if there is heavy rainfall, this may be delayed to Friday, July 14,” he told reporters.

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