Conserve water – DENR

MANILA, Philippines - With the onslaught of hot summer weather, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is urging the public to be particularly mindful of their water consumption not only to save money on water bills, but more importantly, to protect this precious resource. 

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said that although water service providers have already assured that there would be a steady and ample supply of water during the dry months, usually from March to May, “it would still be advisable for us to use our water supply prudently.” 

“We  have to consider that water is not only for domestic or household use,” Paje pointed out. “We have to share our supply with the agricultural sector to irrigate our farmlands, which are vulnerable during the dry season; and with the power sector to generate electricity that is more in demand now for cooling purposes.” 

The environment chief said that while it is true that with the sweltering summer heat comes added pressure on water consumption, it would help if everyone watches on a daily basis and limits their water usage as much as possible. 

He advised people to apply to water usage the same principles used in solid waste management. 

“Reduce water wastage by using only the amount you need. Reuse what you can for other purposes such as using laundry water to clean your cars or floors or in flushing toilets,” Paje said. 

He added: “Make water conservation a habit, no matter what the season, and adopt a lifestyle that would have less negative impact on our precious water supply.” 

Paje also called on the public to avoid throwing their trash everywhere as it could end up clogging waterways and contaminating the water supply. 

He warned that since very little rainfall is  expected during summer, waterways could end up clogged or stagnant and become breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects, as well as cause flooding in the ensuing rainy season. 

The DENR head likewise appealed to visitors of ecotourism sites to respect nature by keeping it all in a natural and pristine state as possible.  

“With the Holy Week just around the corner, let us not only reflect on our purpose in life, but also on what we can proactively do for our Mother Earth especially in light of climate change,” Paje said.