MANILA, Philippines—When storing water for household use, one should use containers with covers. If not, the water should be used within two days.
This is one of the tips that Maynilad Water Services Inc. is giving to its customers, especially those who live in areas covered by scheduled service interruptions during the Holy Week.
A flood control project of the Department of Public Works and Highways will cause taps to dry up for one to three days from April 15 to April 19.
Service will be interrupted in all areas of Bacoor, Cavite City, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Noveleta and Parañaque, the company reiterated in an advisory.
This will also affect Maynilad services in parts of Imus, Kawit, Makati, Malabon, Manila, Navotas, Pasay and south Caloocan.
The utility company also advises customers to do the following to ensure that the water stored is safe to use:
* Drinking water should be stored in clean and disinfected containers that can be closed securely.
* Freeze water for additional supply during the water service interruption. Once melted, the ice can be used for cooking or drinking.
* Store containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight because light and warmth promote algae and bacteria growth.
* Water stored in plastic containers should be kept away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides or similar substances because vapors from these products can penetrate plastic.
* Never store water in containers that were previously used to store toxic substances.
* To avoid water contamination, clean cisterns, drums and overhead tanks before filling them with water.
* Empty household bleach bottles can be used to store water for cleaning.
* Use clean food-grade containers to store water for cooking and drinking.
* Disinfected plastic soda bottles, glass canning jars and juice bottles can be used to store water for drinking and cooking.
Also, Maynilad has announced that it is reopening four deep wells during the days of service interruption in order to mitigate the inconvenience to its customers.
In addition, the utility intends to deploy some 60 water tankers to the affected areas.
The company has explained that the Department of Public Works and Highways is building a so-called interceptor drainage box culvert along Blumentritt Street in Manila, “to address the perennial flooding in Manila.”
According to Maynilad, the DPWH’s planned construction work will traverse the company’s pipe at the corner of Juan Luna and Hermosa streets.
Maynilad needs three days to realign the affected pipe before the DPWH could proceed.