Amid the looming water supply problems due to El Niño, the National Water Resource Board (NWRB) has decided to cut the water allocation for irrigation in various parts of the country starting May 10.
NWRB Executive Director David Sevillo Jr. said the move is aimed at ensuring sufficient water supply for the next cropping season, especially amid projection of reduction of water with the declaration of the start of El Nińo by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Sevillo explained that the reduction of water supply to irrigation will not totally affect farming since there is already a low demand for water from the farm sector since the harvest season is nearing.
In the past weeks, several government agencies, water concessionaires, have been encouraging the public to conserve and practice recycling of water.
The appeals came after Pagasa raised to 80 percent the probability of El Nino hitting the country this year and might continue to be experienced until the first quarter of 2024.
For its part, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) appealed to local government units in Metro Manila to pose an ordinance regulating the water supply for certain establishments.
Among these establishments include golf courses, car wash services, and resorts with swimming pools. These establishments are known to consume a massive volume of water to operate daily.
According to MWSS data, a golf course consumes at least 700 to 1400 cubic per month, while a car wash business spends 60 to 100 cubic, enough to supply the needs of more than 2,000 households.
The NWRB, however, assured the public that the water supply of Angat Dam can suffice the needs of Metro Manila residents. Although still encouraged the general public to continue to conserve water.
Angat Dam's Water Level is still considered at a normal level, based on the Pagasa's water level update at 6 a.m. on May 1.
More than 90 percent of Metro Manila's potable water requirements are met by the Angat Dam, which also meets the irrigation demands of 25,000 hectares of agriculture in Bulacan and Pampanga.
On the part of the water concessionaires, both the Maynilad and Manila also shared some tips on how to recycle water aside from calling on the public to conserve water.
They also eminded the public to report to authorities any leaks in water pipes as this is one of the most common causes of water wastage. (Nicole Magmanlac)