‘Water consumption up 6% during summer’

MANILA, Philippines — As water consumption in Metro Manila increases by six percent during the dry season, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has asked the public to use water responsibly.

Last week, the state weather bureau officially declared the start of the dry season, which usually lasts until May.

“Our appeal to the public is to conserve water not only during summer. Water conservation efforts should be done all throughout the year,” MWSS department manager Patrick Dizon said.

He assured residents in Metro Manila of uninterrupted water supply.

Dizon said the water elevation of Angat Dam was 11 meters high over the weekend.

“Last year, during this time, the water level of Angat Dam was only 199 meters, but now it is still 210.56 meters,” Dizon said. “We don’t see a water shortage. If there would be interruptions, these would only focus on regular maintenance activities.”

Dizon said the two concessionaires, Maynilad Water Service Inc. and Manila Water, were tasked to undergo a five-year plan to improve the water system in the National Capital Region.

“Based on demand for water consumption for the past 20 years, during the months of March, April and May, the consumption increases by around six percent. We will return to our regular consumption by June,” he said.

Aside from Angat Dam, other water sources are being tapped to boost the supply in Metro Manila, according to Dizon.

“We have a water treatment plant in Laguna de Bay. The rehabilitation of deep wells is also ongoing. We have at least 100 locations in Metro Manila readily available to extract water in case we need additional supply,” Dizon said.

The National Water Resources Board has allowed the use of deep wells during emergencies.