Marikina, San Mateo, Rodriguez to experience weak water pressure

MAY 10, 2018 La Mesa Dam’s water level is reported critically low due to high demand but low supply of water. According to Manila Water, the extremely hot weather causes this predicament. INQUIRER PHOTO/ JAM STA ROSA

Water concessionaire Manila Water has advised its customers in Marikina City, and San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal, to expect weak water pressure as the water level in La Mesa Dam continues to plummet.

“Maapektuhan ‘yong sampung barangay dito sa San Mateo, kabilang na ‘yong Ampid I and I, Banaba, Dulong Bayan I and II, Gitnang Bayan I and II, Ginayang, Maly, Sta. Ana; isang barangay sa Rodriguez, ‘yong Burgos; isa rin sa Marikina, ‘yong Parang,” Corporate Communications Head Jeric Sevilla said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer on Friday.

“Kapag peak hours, usually alas otso ng umaga hanggang tanghali, medyo may reduction ng pressure, hihina ‘yong tubig kasi matataas na lugar na ‘yan, pero may tubig pa rin,” Sevilla added.

Starting Saturday night, Sevilla said Manila Water would be using the East La Mesa Treatment Plant in Balara as source instead of La Mesa Dam to service the affected areas.

“Dahil di na kayang tugunan ‘yong pangangailangan ng tubig sa mga lugar na ‘yon, ang mangayayari ay ililipat natin yung supply, instead na sa La Mesa sila kumuha, dito na sila kukuha sa Balara,” Sevilla said.

Sevilla said the measure aims to stop the drop in La Mesa Dam’s water level.  Manila Water said that on Friday, the water level dropped from more than 72 meters a week ago to 71.92 meters. The normal water level is at 78 to 79 meters, said Sevilla.

“‘Yang (level) na ‘yan ay medyo mas mababa sa normal operating level ng La Mesa Dam, kasi ang normal n’yan ay nasa 78 to 79,” Sevilla said.

READ: Manila Water: Brace for service interruptions as La Mesa Dam hits critical level

Manila Water said that the present water level at the La Mesa Dam is the lowest recorded in five years.

“Talagang napaka-taas ng demand natin sa tubig.  Dati rati hindi natin ginagamit ‘yang La Mesa (Dam) eh, imbakan lang ‘yan ng tubig, pero ngayon pati ‘yong laman ng La Mesa ay ginagamit na natin,” Sevilla added.

Sevilla also urged Manila Water customers to conserve water and help prevent service interruptions until the rainy season.

“Ang tubig po ay buhay, so atin pong ‘wag aksayahin.  Lahat po ng ating matitipid na tubig malaki po ang magagawa nito para umabot po tayo hanggang sa dumating ang tag-ulan.” /muf