DENR ramps up preparations for El Niño, confident water crisis in Metro Manila unlikely

MANILA — As the Philippines braces for the impacts of the super El Niño, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it is preparing for various shocks including potential water shortages, forest fires, and other environmental and public health risks. 

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna explained that among the agency’s priorities is to conserve water resources by ensuring they are constantly working with water concessionaires, relevant agencies and local government units especially as more areas are expected to experience prolonged dry spells as the climate phenomenon builds strength. 

“Hindi pwedeng business as usual. In the emergency situation, at least dito sa Metro Manila, nakahanda po ang NWSS at ating mga water concessionaires,” he said.

The agency is also taking advantage of information from weather stations, satellite monitoring and geographic information systems (GIS) to pinpoint areas that are at high risk of water stress and extreme heat. This, they say, allows them to warn authorities and for them to take action even before conditions worsen. 

Cuna said the government is using a methodology that considers rainfall deficits, heat conditions, water availability and drought outlooks to identify communities that may be most affected by El Niño.

Among the areas that stood out in the initial assessment were Mindoro, Isabela and Masbate.

Together with the National Water Resources Board, Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA, the DENR has identified areas that may be put under water stress as well as those that may have access to water providers.

“We can tell through satellite particular areas kung saan sobrang taas na ang init.”

The environment chief said that information is shared with LGUs, the Bureau of Fire Protection, National Irrigation Administration and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to support local preparedness and response plans.

It’s important for local disaster offices to develop emergency plans and inform residents as the appropriate measures will be carried out by everyone in the community.

The DENR is also looking at the possibility of reactivating previously decommissioned deep wells that may once again be viable sources of water.

“Yung mga dating gumagana ng mga deep well na na-decommission na in the past, pinag-aaralan na ngayon yung pag-re-energize sa kanila. For emergency purposes we will allow this.”

The agency is also looking at smaller water impounding structures that are part of the National Greening Program. While these were established to support the program, Cuna said that water from these structures could be repurposed for domestic water if the need arises.

For island communities and remote barangays with limited access to clean water, Cuna said that the department is supporting small-scale projects like water filtration facilities and water-refilling stations which are operated by community organizations and barangays themselves. 

Such projects not only ensure that water sources remain in these areas but also reduce the burden on residents who have to travel to the mainland to get clean water, often incurring a high expense. 

Should the dreaded water shortage occur, according to the DENR, the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System and other water concessionaires have prepared additional means of delivering water to residents.

Cuna said 182 mobile water tankers are ready for deployment to areas that may experience severe water shortage along with another 135 stationary units. Additional help has also come in from other countries.

“Nabigyan po tayo ng Netherlands government ng mga tinatawag natin water bladders. So lalagyan din po ng tubig to na karagdagang pwede natin ipuwesto sa mga lugar na kukulangin ng tubig. But ang gusto namin siguro bigyan ng diin para sa mga kababayan natin na makatulong ang lahat dito sa ating hinaharap na problema.”

The public is also encouraged to check their water meters at night or early in the morning especially when no water is being used. If the meter continues to move, this could indicate a leak that needs to be checked and repaired.

For private establishments, including swimming pools, water parks, golf courses and car washes, the department is currently emphasizing the need to conserve water while considering the processes required for any additional restrictions.

Cuna stressed that conservation efforts would be temporary measures intended to help the country cope with the projected El Niño.

Aside from water shortages, the DENR is also preparing for the risk of forest fires and conflagrations at waste management facilities as temperatures rise and dry conditions persist.

Forest protection officers are set to be deployed in areas identified as vulnerable to forest fires. Firebreaks at National Greening Program sites will also be established to prevent fires from spreading.

Cuna said DENR personnel are also receiving additional training to improve their capacity to respond to forest fires more quickly, with assistance from a French organization engaged by the department.

The DENR chief expressed confidence that the government could manage the coming dry spell  and prevent a repeat of the 2019 water crisis in Metro Manila if agencies, water service providers, the private sector and the public worked together.

“We’re confident,” Cuna said, pointing to improved water management, efforts to address leaks and the need for continued conservation and water harvesting.

He added that preparedness should not focus solely on drought, noting that El Niño can also be associated with extreme weather events like heavy rainfall in other parts of the world.