Angat Dam in Bulacan (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)
MANILA, Philippines — Water concessionaires should be more prepared for the effects of El Niño on water supply, Sen. Grace Poe said on Monday.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) bared in a radio interview on Sunday that it is eyeing to decrease the water pressure of its concessionaires in Metro Manila as water levels in Angat Dam continue to dip due to the dry spell.
“The possible water interruption if MWSS decreases water pressure gives a sense of déjà vu. We repeatedly experience water shortages every summer,” Poe said in a statement.
“El Nino is a foreseeable climate pattern. Concerned agencies and water concessionaires should have been prepared from the outset to ensure consumers would no longer suffer the nightmare of not having a drop from the tap,” she added.
In a 6 a.m. dam update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that Angat Dam’s water level is currently at 201.48 meters (m), which is lower than its normal level of 212 m.
Poe, who heads the Senate committee on public services, lamented that waterless days will heavily burden households, businesses, and schools.
“A sufficient water supply is a ubiquitous problem. But in a country visited by typhoons at an average of 21 times a year, concessionaires should invest more and expedite better water infrastructure,” Poe said.
Previously, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said that it already provided local government rain catchment system designs to help alleviate El Niño’s effect on water supply.