Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said there is ample water supply even with the hot weather, adding it could last until the end of the year.
MWSS explained data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) shows the level of Angat Dam, which supplies about 90% of Metro Manila’s water, is at 202.8 meters — still above the minimum operating level of 180 meters.
“Pag iko-compare mo sa previous years, mataas pa po tayo ng around 10, 11, or 13 meters pa. Safe po tayo sa ngayon,” said MWSS Deputy Administrator for Engineering Jose Dorado Jr.
[Translation: Compared to previous years, we’re still up 10, 11, or 13 meters. We’re safe for now.]
Some, however, are choosing not to be complacent and say they would prepare for water supply problems during the dry season.
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PAGASA said climate conditions are expected to stay normal until July, with near to above normal rains.
But the MWSS said the effects of the dry season may not be felt until the end of the year.
“Magkakaroon tayo ng countermeasures para maiwasan yung water shortage tulad ng standby deep wells natin na kailangan talaga i-energize,” said Dorado.
[Translation: There will be countermeasures to avoid a water shortage, like standby deep wells which need to be energized.]
Certain sectors will also receive updates on the water supply status.
“Those in the agri sector, power generation sector — patuloy na binibigyan ng update para on their part, makapag-devise sila ng plano para sa pending na El Niño,” said Chris Perez, PAGASA assistant weather services chief.
[Translation: Those in the agri and power generation sector will continuously receive updates so they can devise a plan for the pending El Niño.]
