Algae growth at Laguna de Bay cuts Maynilad water supply

Excessive algae growth at the Laguna de Bay — the highest in four years — has forced the Maynilad Water Services to cut down its water production, affecting residents living in parts of Metro Manila and Cavite.

In a GMA News 24 Oras report, Maynilad spokesperson Jen Rufo said their water production has gone down to 80 million liters per day from 250 million liters per day because of too much algae in the waters of the Laguna de Bay, the primary water source of the West Zone concessionaire.

"We were constrained talaga to reduce production when there is more algae coming in from the lake water mas dumadalas ang paglilinis namin ng mga filter ng aming treatment facilities," said Rufo, stressing that algae usually thrive during the dry season.

Maynilad, however, assured its customers that they have continued to properly treat their water to filter out algae and increase their water production.

Residents in some affected areas have been experiencing water shortage in the last five days, and forced to rely on water rationing. Maynilad has already issued an advisory saying water interruptions could go on for the next two weeks, until May 14.

"Nakakapagod! pangligo, panglaba pang hugas lahat lahat na," said resident Bernadette Macarandang.

"Napakahirap kasi ang hirap maligo, mag-iigib ka pa, maghuhugas ng plato. Walang tubig. Pag magluluto. tapos pag-mag-CR ka, emergency. Wala kang pang-ano," said another affected resident Lani Badillo.

Lucilla Billones, for her part, said: "Aba three days na ho. Hirap na hirap na nga ho kami eh. Eh buti nga ho may poso diyan sa labas." — MDM, GMA News