Amid ECQ, Angat Dam’s dwindling reserve, Metro consumers reminded to conserve water

AS water at the Angat Dam continues to fall below its normal operating level, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) appealed to water consumers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby towns in Rizal and Cavite provinces to conserve water throughout the dry season.

The Angat Dam, which is part of the Angat-ipo-la Mesa water system, supplies about 97 percent of raw water for some 19 million water consumers in the NCR and other water consumers in the Greater Manila Area.

In a news statement issued on Tuesday, the CCC reiterated the implementation of Administrative Order 24 issued by the President mandating all government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCS), and state universities and colleges (SUCS) to strictly implement water conservation measures.

As of 8 a.m. of April 14, 2020, the water level in the Angat Dam is at 192.95 meters, which is 17 meters lower than its normal operating level of 210 meters. This may eventually compel the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to cut water supply application in Metro Manila.

To prevent this, the CCC encourages the public to avoid unnecessary and excessive use of water, especially now that there is a greater household demand due to the imposed enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to arrest the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The CCC explained that the inadequate and intermittent water supply in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country could have massive impacts on different sectors, especially in agriculture and health. While the country is still grappling with a pandemic, the CCC said that we must be prudent and wise in consuming our limited water resources.

The CCC mentioned that water security is among the seven thematic priorities of the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP). Access to safe water and proper sanitation are necessary to achieve climate resilience and sustainable development.

Among the measures that individuals could do to observe responsible water utilization and conservation in their homes are the following:

■ Check water pipelines and report leaks and illegal connections regularly;

■ Recycle water by using a basin while rinsing dishes, fruits, vegetables, and other food products and using the water to flush toilets;

■ Cut down your shower time by a minute or two;

■ Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and washing your hands; and

■ Install rainwater catchment.