NWRB reduces Metro Manila’s water allocation, but no impact on household supply

THE NATIONAL Water Resources Board (NWRB) again reduced the water allocation for Metro Manila to 44 cubic meters per second (cms) from 46 cms due to the lower water level of Angat Dam. In a radio interview on Tuesday, NWRB Executive Director Sevillo D. David Jr. said the reduction will help Angat Dam recover from its deteriorating water level. “While waiting for rainfall to arrive, we decided to reduce the water allocation for Metro Manila so that we can manage the current level of Angat Dam and prevent its further decline,” he said. Mr. David said the lower water allocation will not have any adverse effects on consumers, noting that there are other sources such as Ipo Dam and La Mesa Dam. Metro Manila’s two water concessionaires also assured that household supply will not be affected. “Our service levels won’t be affected because local rains at the Ipo watershed keep the water elevation in Ipo Dam high, and this augments the shortfall from Angat Dam,” Maynilad Water Services, Inc. Head of Corporate Communications Jennifer C. Rufo said in a mobile phone message. Manila Water Co. Inc. Corporate Strategic Affairs Head Nestor Jeric T. Sevilla, meanwhile, said they are ready to maximize their Cardona Treatment Plant in Rizal and other deepwells in case water supply needs to be augmented. “(W)e will continue to provide 24/7 supply to our customers except during emergency repairs and necessary maintenance activities,” he said. On Tuesday morning, Angat’s water level was at 177.94 meters, which is below the minimum operating level of 180 meters, based on data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The dam’s normal elevation is 212 meters. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave