NWRB urges Pinoys to save water as Angat Dam nears critical level

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Monday urged the public at large to save water as the reserves level in Angat Dam nears the critical level of 160 meters.

Conserve water, NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. advised the public as Angat Dam’s water level seen to hit critical level this week. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/TsTz4adHA8

— Joviland Rita (@jovilandxrita) June 17, 2019

According board’s executive director, if the water level continues to dip, the board expects it to hit the critical level sometime this week. The water level was measured at 162.39 meters Monday morning.

“Umaapela pa rin tayo  sa mga kababayan natin na pagtulungan natin ito. In terms of huwag aksayahin ang tubig, tipirin kung maari, mag-ipon, mag-recycle ng tubig-ulan,” NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said during a press conference in Quezon City.

Angat Dam supplies 96 percent of Metro Manila’s water requirement.

The board will reduce the allocation to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) if the situation at the dam gets worse.

This will affect the source of concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad Water.

If the water level continues to decline, the NWRB sees the dam will again hit its lowest level around 157 meters in 2010.

David said the recent rains were not much of a help for falling in areas outside watersheds.

“Kapag nagawa natin ito, ma-miminimize ‘yung negatibong epekto  ng limitadong supply ng dam,” David said.

On Sunday, Manila Water advised customers of the possibility of service interruption due to situation in Angat Dam.

Water level in Angat Dam continues to decline and is nearing the low critical level of 160 meters (162.78m as of June 16). As a result, Manila Water may need to make further operational adjustments affecting water supply for our customers. pic.twitter.com/FRcSkOWvDL

— Manila Water (@ManilaWaterPH) June 16, 2019

“As a result, Manila Water may need to make further operational adjustments affecting water supply for our customers,” Manila Water said on Twitter.

Maynilad also informed its consumers on Friday about a possible system-wide service interruption on rotational base if the water level in Angat Dam drops to its critical level.

Please be advised. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/aMreH3tNi4

— Maynilad (@maynilad) June 14, 2019

“We ask our customers to prepare for this possible scenario by doing their share in the conservation effort through responsible and wise use of water,” Maynilad said on Twitter. —VDS, GMA News