MWSS starts prepping for possible water shortage in 2020

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has started implementing mitigating measures to help cushion the impact of a possible water shortage during the summer season in 2020.

During a hearing of the House committee on Metropolitan Manila Development, MWSS Administrator Emmanuel Salamat said that the Angat Dam, which is Metro Manila’s primary water source, is forecasted to experience a “critical” water level during the summer season next year.

“The Angat Dam water level, though it has reached the normal high water level, this is forecasted to remain to be critical for the summer next year,” Salamat said.

The measures that the MWSS is implementing are aimed to either increase the water capacity of the dam and to manage the water demands in Metro Manila, he added.

The MWSS is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of water wells, rainwater collection, development of springs and waterwells.

Salamat also said the agency is also eyeing to start its cloud seeding program from January to March next year.

The MWSS is also suggesting to allow farmers to “reactivate” existing deep wells for irrigation use, so that the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) would not rely so much on the Angat Dam.

Salamat said the two concessionaires would still have to implement water service interruption rotations so the MWSS asks Manila Water Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. to “work on their scheduling to ensure the equitable distribution of available water supply.”

The information campaign program of the MWSS concerning the responsible use of water is continuously being enhanced, he added. /jpv

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