Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – No doubt, the impact of climate change is reaching households as early as now.
Authorities and water suppliers have already warned, about 6 million individuals in Metro Manila and nearby provinces will be hit by scheduled water service interruptions in the following weeks in a bid to save supply for the dry El Niño days.
Now, people are looking for alternative water sources they can count on when the full impact of El Niño happens.
Some households are tapping into traditional sources of water as a way to get through the dry spell.
Alternative sources of water
Weather forecasters say an intensified El Nino may remain until the first half of next year and households should now think of ways to survive the dry spell.
Jocelyn Sonico and her sister Evelyn Rodriguez say they have benefited from their deep well when water service is cut.
“Malaking tulong sya pag nawawala yung nawasa. Iniinom natin. Ok naman sya, binoboil na lang natin,” said Rodriguez.
According to her, their deep well supplies water that is good enough for doing the laundry, cooking, and drinking for their household with 12 members.
Others, like Ave Ballena, who are able to afford pricier options have installed an automatic pump.
Ballena said, she uses the water from the automatic pump for almost everything, including drinking. According to her, the water even tastes like mineral water.
“Pang lahat ginagamit yon kahit pang inom. Yung lasa nya parang mineral water.
Others collect rain water for other purposes such as for taking a bath, doing the laundry, watering plants, and washing the dishes.
Dangers of taking untreated water
Deep well water, rain water – these may be fairly simple, immediate solution.
But health officials say, people should be wary of the dangers of drinking and taking untreated water.
Experts say water filtration sometimes is even not enough to make sure that the water is safe for drinking.
According to the health department, untreated water may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause fatal illnesses like diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and even intestinal worms.
Department of Health (DOH) Spokesperson, Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, said the best way to get rid of these bacteria and microorganisms is to boil water before drinking it or using it for cooking.
“If we’re not sure about the source of water, boil natin para mamatay kung anong mikrobyo nandyan. Maproteksyonan tayo sa mga microorganism na nasa tubig,” Lee Suy said.
To kill pathogens, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute. At altitudes greater than 6,562 feet or greater than 2000 meters, water should be boiled for three minutes.
CNN Philippines’ Isabella Montano contributed to this report.
