Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — West-zone concessionaire Maynilad’s scheduled water interruptions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have been postponed, but El Niño is still threatening the water supply.
The Maynilad water interruption, that was supposed to start on September 8 (Tuesday), will instead be moved to either September 10 (Thursday) or September 11 (Friday).
It will disrupt water service in 900 barangays in parts of North Caloocan, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Parañaque, and Cavite.
Maynilad said recent rainfall added to Ipo Dam’s reservoir, extending supply for a few more days.
Maynilad Water Supply Operations Head Engr. Ronald Padua said that the water interruption could again be delayed if rains will persist and fill the Ipo Dam in Bulacan.
“Baka sa whole week next week ay hindi rin magkaroon ng interruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, east-zone concessionaire Manila Water earlier announced that it will also postpone its scheduled service interruptions next week.
Related: Manila Water delays scheduled service interruption
Despite the slight relief, the effect of El Niño on the water supply is still alarming.
“Even ang PAGASA [The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration] sinasabi na iyong El Niño effect should be considered seriously because based on the projections malawak, not only in Metro Manila — malawak ang epekto nito sa bansa natin,” said National Water Resources Board Executive Director Sevillo David.
Although the government isn’t declaring a water crisis yet, officials said it is better to conserve and use water wisely.
“Hindi pa nagbago situation so hindi pa dapat maging kampante mga consumers, patuloy pa rin ang aming pananawagan na magtipid ng tubig at dahil tayo ay kailangan maghanda sa magiging effect ng El Niño,” Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Senior Deputy Adminstrator Nathaniel Santos said.
Regulators said everyone should pitch in to make sure there’s enough water until the dry spell is over.
