Golf course managers in NCR told to conserve water amid dry spell

MANILA, Philippines — Managers of golf courses in Metro Manila were urged to conserve water on Tuesday amid rising water concerns due to low water levels in dams and reservoirs brought on by the severe heat.

The advisory came in a bulletin released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Water Resources Management Office (WRMO).

READ: Angat Dam, other water sources drying up due to lack of rainfall

“All golf courses in NCR (National Capital Region) are directed to observe proper water conservation measures in irrigating fairways and greens as well as in clubhouse operations,” the WRMO said in the bulletin.

The WRMO also told golf course managers to use recycled water from their clubhouses to water the grass and other similar surfaces.

“For irrigating greens and fairways, golf courses are strongly encouraged to only utilize recycled water, reduce groundwater withdrawal, and cease, as much as possible, the use of piped water coming from your water service provider,” it said.

“Recycle water coming from the clubhouse, specifically those from sink and shower use (greywater), to augment your recycled water supply,” it added.

Meanwhile, the agency likewise advised the golf course managers to postpone maintenance work for their swimming pools to further save water and report leaks to their respective water concessionaires.

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In the latest update of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on Monday, the Angat Dam’s water level was 185.65 meters, while its normal high water level was 212 meters.

The Bulacan PDRRMO added that the Ipo Dam and the Bustos Dam had water levels of 99.80 meters and 17.01 meters, respectively.