DENR issues water conservation advisory amid El Niño

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday called on the public to help conserve water as forecasts indicate possible El Niño conditions that could bring a prolonged dry season.

In a statement, the DENR said the advisory aims to protect water supplies for drinking, healthcare, and other essential services as water utilities work to repair infrastructure and help vulnerable communities.

“Early action now will help protect our supply for drinking, health care and essential services,” Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said.

The advisory, issued in coordination with the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) and the National Water Resources Board, revives conservation measures implemented during the 2023–2024 dry spell.

Under the campaign, households are encouraged to take shorter showers, turn off faucets while brushing their teeth, repair leaks immediately, and reuse greywater for flushing toilets and outdoor cleaning when safe.

The DENR also discouraged nonessential water use, such as car washing, hosing down driveways, and refilling private swimming pools, except when necessary for health and sanitation reasons.

Local governments will publish schedules for water-truck deliveries and refill stations in areas facing the greatest need, according to the DENR.

Leak repairs

Meanwhile, water utilities are set to intensify leak repairs and pressure management efforts to reduce water losses in distribution systems, the DENR added.

The advisory also stressed that potable water supplies will be prioritized for drinking, sanitation, and medical facilities.

For transparency and fairness, the government will release allocation criteria and repair schedules, Cuna said.

Concerned officials also committed to providing weekly updates on reservoir levels, system performance, and relief operations.

Water agencies and local governments were also instructed to submit regular reports to the WRMO.

Other water conservation measures are fast-tracking permits for repair works, requiring commercial establishments to submit water conservation plans, and promoting rainwater harvesting for nonpotable uses whenever rainfall occurs.

Targeted assistance will be prioritized for hospitals, clinics, and low-income communities that may be most affected by water shortages, according to the DENR. — RSJ, GMA News