DENR office orders barangays, condos to save water amid El Niño
MANILA, Philippines — The newly-created Water Resources Management Office ordered all barangay officials and residential managers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to advise their residents to conserve water as the country prepares for even drier conditions due to El Niño.
The WRMO issued a bulletin Sunday instructing village officials as well as condominium and subdivision managers to advise their residents to curb activities that consume significant amounts of water such as lawn watering and vehicle washing, and recycle water from laundry and dishwashing discharge for the purpose of watering plants.
It also called for active promotion of rainwater collection among residents.
The WRMO also ordered all local governments in the capital region to fast track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad.
The new office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier directed all government agencies to strictly implement water conservation measures.
Weather agencies such as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the World Meteorological Organization warned that El Niño will trigger higher temperatures, and affect water supply, agriculture, and the health of people. The phenomenon, which is associated with dry spells and droughts, is expected to persist until 2024.
In 2019, Metro Manila and neighboring provinces experienced water shortage as a weak El Niño contributed to a massive decline in rainfall. The damage caused by the phenomenon reached around P8 billion.
Angat level drops
The WRMO also said its team will conduct spot inspections of office buildings for unwarranted use of water, leaks, and faulty bathroom fixtures.
The office, together with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System, will also review the monthly water bills of all government agencies and issue notices on excessive use of water.
It advised the public to report leaks along streets to the MWSS (8929-5691, 8922-2969, 0967-3197144, or [email protected]), or to the water service providers Manila Water (1627) or Maynilad (1626). Leaks within compounds and which may need major repairs may be reported to the DENR-WRMO through [email protected].
The WMRO issued the bulletin as the water level in Angat Dam, which supplies potable water to NCR and nearby provinces, continues to drop. The water level in Angat Dam on Saturday was at 179.99 meters—below the 180-meter minimum operating level.
The allocation for irrigation will be reduced and the supply for Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan will be at the minimum volume once the water level in Angat drops to below operating levels.
- Latest
- Trending
