Metro Manila's water concessionaires assured the public on Tuesday, April 16, that despite the sweltering temperatures and dwindling water levels at dams, their supply operations remain normal.
With the forecast of scorching temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius in 24 areas across the country, Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Services have stated that they are implementing programs to ensure a consistent water supply.
These initiatives are aimed at ensuring a steady water supply for households, commercial areas, and communities in both the east and west zones.
Amid rising heat index, Manila Water said it is prioritizing distribution of water supply to schools and hospitals, particularly those serving underprivileged communities.
Currently, Manila Water serves 1,915 public and private schools and 383 public and private hospitals in the eastern parts of Metro Manila and Rizal.
In western Metro Manila, Maynilad said it continues its augmentation efforts to meet the increasing demand during the prolonged warm weather.
Jennifer Rufo, Manynilad corporate communications head, said that their operational water treatment plants (WTP) and ongoing maintenance activities play a crucial role in ensuring an ample water supply.
“We are still able to retain normal service levels because allocation from Angat Dam for MWSS is retained at 50 cubic meters per second [cms]. This, along with our supply augmentation projects, enables us to meet water demand despite the increasing heat levels,” she told Manila Bulletin.
In the latest update from Manila Water's dam monitoring report, water levels at both Ipo and La Mesa dams are now below their normal operating ranges, while Angat Dam remains above its minimum operating level.
Despite concerns regarding the decline in water levels, Rufo is urging all consumers to prioritize water conservation practices.
“There’s only so much we can do to generate more water supply. The consumers can contribute greatly by using water responsibility. This way, we can work together to preserve the water supply in Angat Dam until the rains come to replenish it,” she said.
On a related news, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed a 5.5 percent improvement in total water use efficiency (WUE) in 2022 compared to previous years.