Rotating water shortages implemented as El Niño strengthens

Various cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) will experience rotating water shortages in the coming months, an effect of the strong El Niño phenomenon affecting the Philippines. This was announced by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad during a press briefing on September 1.

 

As of the morning of September 1, the water level at Angat Dam was at 186.24 m, 13% below the year-end target level of 212 m. This level isn’t enough to sustain irrigation needs and power production, and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has been forced to prioritize providing water for households.

 

For the month of September, the NWRB has imposed a water allocation of 38 cubic meters per second (m³/s) per household. In July and August, the water allocation was 41 m³/s. Water allocations for future months may change depending on the amount of rainfall for that period.

 

“We need to manage the water level in Angat Dam so we can sustain adequate water for the public until this El Niño phenomenon ends next year,” said NWRB Executive Director Dr. Sevillo David, Jr.

 

Both Maynilad and Manila Water are trying to avoid 24-hour water interruptions for their customers by rotating the availability of water. Some areas won’t experience any water loss though they will have lower pressure. Announcements about the shortages will come out at least a day before. Areas to be affected by the interruptions will be places higher up or further away from their plants.

 

For Maynilad, 18% of their customers (around 230,000 households) will have water for less than 12 hours in a day. Areas affected include Quezon City, Parañaque, Cavity, and Valenzuela. Customers may start feeling the interruptions by Tuesday next week, 8 September.

 

For Manila Water, 9% of customers (around 125,500 households) will experience water interruptions. Areas affected include Quezon City, Antipolo, Taguig, Pasig, and Marikina. Customers may start feeling the interruptions by Thursday next week, 10 September.

 

Among the contingency measures recommended by NIA for farmers are the following: modified cropping calendar and pattern; planting of short gestating rice varieties; maximizing the utilization of effective rainfall; provision of water pumps; strict implementation of water management. — Chart by Jessica Bartolome/TJD, GMA News