DENR readies new water sources amid looming Super El Niño

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is preparing for alternative water sources to address potential shortages amid the threat of a Super El Niño.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum on Wednesday, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said concerned government agencies had already met to prepare for the possible impact of the weather phenomenon.

"What we are looking at is a potentially serious water problem in the early part of 2027. So we have roughly six months to identify new water sources," he said.

Cuna said the DENR’s National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is reviewing water allocation policies and may reduce allocations for some sectors if necessary.

The DENR chief also urged local government units, businesses, and households to adopt rainwater harvesting systems to maximize water collection during the rainy season.

He added that the government is considering cloud seeding operations and desalination projects to augment the water supply if needed.

Cuna also called on the public to help conserve water by reporting leaks and avoiding wastage.

The state weather bureau PAGASA earlier said a Super El Niño could develop in the latter part of 2026.

A Super El Niño is characterized by sea surface temperature anomalies of at least 2 degrees Celsius above average in the Pacific Ocean.

Possible impacts include prolonged droughts in Southeast Asia and Australia, heavy rainfall and flash floods in parts of South America, and stronger typhoons affecting areas such as Hawaii, Japan, China, and the Philippines.—MCG, GMA News