MWSS sees no need for higher water allocation in July

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) no longer sees the need to retain the upgraded 52 cubic meters per second (cms) water allotment for its water concessionaires next month.

This, after the National Water Resources Board’s (NWRB) decided to retain the increased water supply allocation from the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa system of 52 cms for both Manila Water and Maynilad for June 1 to 15, 2023.

For June 16 to 30, the water allocation will ease to 50 cms to prevent Angat Dam’s water level from further going down.

As of 6 a.m. of June 1, 2023, Angat’s water level decreased to 189.64 meters from 189.81 meters as of May 31, 2023.

This is still above the dam’s minimum operating level of 183 meters.

The increased water allocation level for MWSS’ concessionaires was supposed to end on May 31, 2023.

Asked if the MWSS sees the need to retain the increased water allocation in July, MWSS Angat/Ipo Operations Management Division head Patrick James Dizon said, “By July, historically pataas na ang elevation ng Angat Dam (the elevation of Angat Dam would increase).”

“We are hopeful na by June or July magkaroon ng bagyo or any Habagat sa reservoirs para makatulong sa increase ng elevation ng dams (typhoons or any Habagat would come to reservoirs to help increase the elevation of dams),” Dizon said at a media forum in Quezon City on Thursday.

For his part, Maynilad supply operations head Ronaldo Padua said the increased allocation this month provided relief for the concessionaire’s customers.

“The rotational interruption we did in the past, it's totally gone due to the approval of higher water allocation. Now, we expect the continuity of uninterrupted supply,” Padua said.

“We don't see any immediate interruption happening, especially because we also expect rain to come,” the Maynilad official added.

Dizon said the MWSS is banking on the completion of mitigating measures to ensure uninterrupted supply in Metro Manila and its nearby areas.

“Kailangan namin ma-ensure na mabawasan ang water losses namin sa pipelines,” Dizon said.

The MWSS is the government’s water distribution utility serving Metro Manila and nearby provinces. It has concession deals with Manila Water and Maynilad to serve the east and west zones of Metro Manila. —VAL, GMA Integrated News