Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — There’s no telling how much more water would be depleted in reservoirs because of the prevailing strong El Niño. That is why regulators were forced to further reduce the water allocation for Metro Manila this month as rainfall will be less frequent in the coming months.
Water concessionaires are receiving 36 cubic meters per second beginning Thursday (October 1), down from last month’s allocation of 38 cubic meters per second.
In addition, regulators will also provide a standby allocation for irrigation beginning October 16, despite opposition from Maynilad and Manila Water.
“Ang mahalaga maka-survive iyung 14,000 standing crops,” said National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Operation Department acting manager Romeo Lopez.
But NIA is asking for water supply, not just for October, but for the rest of the year.
For consumers, this would mean longer water service interruptions in more areas.
Maynilad said 20-hour water supply cuts may occur late next week once Tropical Depression Kabayan — which is bringing in rains — dissipates.
Manila Water also warned its customers of taps running dry in the coming weeks if rains will not come.
Concessionaires also fear the water supply may not last until summer next year after regulators allocated water for irrigation.
“Hindi ko masabi at same confidence level kung kakayanin hanggang summer next year [ang supply ng tubig],” said Maynilad Water Supply Operations Head Ronald Padua.
He added that officials assured they will do their best to manage the remaining water suppy in Angat Dam even if they have to share it with farmers in Bulacan and Pampanga to help them survive.
