No car wash, swimming pools to save water
Credit to Author: Bella Cariaso| Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — Suspending the operation of car wash establishments and prohibiting the use of swimming pools are among the options being considered by the government in managing water supply from Angat Dam amid threats posed by El Niño, according to National Water and Resources Board (NWRB) executive director Sevillo David Jr.
In an interview with One News’ “The Chiefs” aired on Cignal TV/TV5 on Wednesday night, David said the suspension of car wash operation was among measures imposed in 2019, when the water level in Angat dropped to 116 cubic meters due to the dry spell and fewer typhoons.
“These are among the measures that we can implement in case we will need to manage the demand because of limited supply. At present, we are considering this as an option to lessen the demand,” David said.
He said the NWRB needed to study the request of Maynilad Water Service Inc. and Manila Water to increase their water allocations in the wake of the rotating water interruptions being experienced in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“They requested for additional allocations. We are currently studying the request as based on the pronouncement of the PAGASA, El Niño will be felt during the second half of the year. We expect a few typhoons starting June, July,” he said, referring to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System deputy administrator Jose Dorado Jr. on Wednesday said the two water concessionaires urged the MWSS to ask the NWRB to increase the current water allocation of 50 cubic meters per second by two cms.
“We are still looking at the projections. We will also consult with PAGASA to be able to determine if we can afford to increase their allocations,” David said.
Maynilad warned that the duration of the rotational water interruption would take longer should the NWRB reject the request.
At present households in Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Manila, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City and Valenzuela as well as areas in Cavite such as the cities of Bacoor and Imus and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario are experiencing at least eight to 14 hours of water interruption daily.
David said the government is eyeing the development of Marikina River as an additional source of water for Metro Manila.
“The current administration is actively pursuing the development of alternative sources like the Kaliwa Dam. The development of the Marikina River will also help. There is an ongoing development by the private sector starting this year or next year and it is expected to be operational in the next five years,” he said. — Rhodina Villanueva