Gov't concerned about water supply issues in Metro Manila

Malacañang on Monday expressed concern over the water supply problem in some parts of Metro Manila as it vowed to make steps to alleviate the situation.

"We are always concerned with respect to any problem affecting the welfare of the people," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said at a news conference.

To address the issue, Panelo said cloud seeding may be a possibility but he was not aware whether the Palace has issued an order for it. Cloud seeding modifies the weather by introducing silver iodide or calcium chloride to the atmosphere to induce condensation and, eventually, rain.

Manila Water Company Inc. has implemented water service interruptions as the water level at the La Mesa Dam continued to decline.

But residents covered by Manila Water, especially those in the Mandaluyong area, complained that the schedule of water service interruptions over the weekend was not being followed.

Manila Water's concession area — the east zone — encompasses 23 cities and municipalities spanning a 1,400-square-kilometer area that includes Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, most parts of Quezon City, portions of Manila, as well as 14 towns of the Rizal province.

Panelo called for improvements to the dissemination of information about service interruption so that the people will be prepared.

Manila Water said normal flow of water supply may be felt by residents beginning on Tuesday, March 12, but warned that interruptions in Metro Manila will last throughout the entire summer season due to declining water supply in Angat Dam and La Mesa Dam.

State weather bureau PAGASA recently warned of a possible dry spell or drought in 47 provinces due to El Niño in the coming months.

According to its forecast, the first months of the year will likely be more sweltering compared to the same period in 2018 because of lessened rainfall and dry winds caused by the phenomenon.

The public should conserve water as early as now, PAGASA advised, noting that the dry spell has 70 to 80 percent chance of occurring. —KG, GMA News