Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) — The Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has directed households in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby provinces to conserve water as the country prepares for the adverse effects of El Niño.
The WRMO has issued Bulletin No. 2 to expand the water conservation directive in Bulletin No. 1 to cover NCR and adjacent provinces.
Through Bulletin No. 2, the agency directed barangay officials as well as condominium and subdivision managers to advise residents to conserve water by lessening activities that consume a lot of water, promoting rainwater collection, and recycling water.
All local government units in NCR were also “directed to fast track the approval of water pipe repairs of Manila Water and Maynilad” to ensure that there will be no water wastage, the second bulletin added.
Through Bulletin No. 1, the WRMO gave guidelines to administrators of government buildings to conduct proper water management. It was in accordance with Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 22 which said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed all government agencies to enforce proper water conservation measures.
In its second bulletin, the WRMO also said it will conduct spot inspections of office buildings for unwarranted use of water, leaks, and faulty bathroom fixtures. The agency will ensure that the first and second bulletins are posted in offices accordingly.The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Sunday said the water level in Angat Dam fell to 179.56 meters, lower than the dam’s minimum operating level of 180 m. Angat Dam supplies water to Metro Manila.When below operating levels, our allocation for irrigation will be reduced and supply for NCR, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan will be at the minimum volume. Expect lower water pressures mainly during the night and possible interruptions in certain parts of the MWSS service areas,” according to WRMO’s second bulletin.Valenzuela City Second District Rep. Eric Martinez said “NCR should prepare well” as “every drop counts.
