Water restrictions eyed for golf courses, water parks amid Super El Niño

MANILA — Water consumption of water parks, swimming pools, and golf courses will be restricted amid the looming threats of a very strong El Niño, the Local Water Utilities Administration said in a budget hearing in the Senate on Monday. 

Senator Risa Hontiveros raised the concern in the budget hearing for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, citing the nearing super El Niño effects expected later this year. 

“Ano po yung plano para sa irrigation at pagdidilig ng mga golf courses, pagpuno ng swimming pools sa mga water parks, pagpapatakbo ng mga fountains sa mga resorts?” the lawmaker asked the concerned agencies. 

LWUA Administrator Jose Moses Salonga responded saying they are looking into temporarily closing valves and restricting water usage for businesses who consume non-essential water. 

“Kasama na po yun sa memorandum circulars namin na tinitingnan na pwedeng bawasan or temporarily close yung mga businesses na yun… meron kaming minumungkahing medyo isara muna or bawasan ng allocation ng tubig or close muna yung valves especially for businesses na medyo malakas gumamit ng tubig,” Salonga added. 

DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna also added that he submitted a memorandum of circular to the Office of the President proposing to require  government offices to take the lead in water conservation.

“To at least direct and mandate all government offices to observe strict conservation measures regarding non-revenue water which means yung mga leakage po natin, there’s quite a big percentage of this which we would  like to minimize,” he explained.

Under this proposed memorandum, water valves in government offices will be closed at certain times during the night, Cuna added. 

“So government will set the good example first and then obligahin yung parts of the private sector to also limit or reduce parts of their own operations,” Hontiveros added in agreement.

On top of water conservation, the DENR along with water agencies are also proposing strengthening small water impounding structures, rainwater catchment facilities and water filtration programs nationwide.