Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) — Water districts from the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna can help provide additional water supply for Metro Manila concessionaires, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) said Tuesday.
In the House Committee hearing on water supply, LWUA Acting Administrator Jeci Lapus said the measure can be undertaken as water level in the Angat Dam further dipped below critical mark.
“(At) the rate we’re going, by weekend, if there’s no rain in the Angat area, we’ll reach the 157 (meters),” Lapus said during the hearing.
“Ang (The) measures that could be taken in case that happens is to touch base with the local water districts surrounding Metro Manila to assist in the water needs of the city,” he added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Monday said Angat Dam will “most probably” normalize and return to its 180-meter minimum level by September or October. The weather bureau earlier told CNN Philippines that at least two strong typhoons are needed for the reservoir to reach its operational level.
Lapus said the proposal is seen as a short-term, “immediate solution” as millions of Metro Manila residents suffer service interruptions.
“Kung gagawa tayo ng water desalination, it will take some time. If we go to Laguna Lake, it will take some time also. Years po ito. Ang immediate really is water in need,” the administrator noted.
[Translation: If we will perform water desalination, it will take some time. If we go to Laguna Lake, it will take some time also. This will take years. The immediate (solution) really is water in need.]
Both Maynilad and Manila Water said they are open to the proposal.
Manila Water said their officials can also help find ways to deliver the water supply from the provinces, as transportation is seen as one of the major issues of the proposal.
“Not all the water districts have their water tank… so I think since this will be catered to Manila and this is under the franchise holders, I think they could help transport the water,” Lapus added.
Water supply interruptions are being implemented again in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Some areas serviced by Manila Water are experiencing 12-17 hours without water, while some customers of Maynilad are waterless for up to 19 hours.
The supply cuts were triggered by reductions in the water allocation to Manila Water and Maynilad imposed by the National Water Resources Board when the Angat Dam level started to approach critical level.
