THE National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Friday junked the petition of the water concessionaires for an additional two cubic meters per second of water, with the threat of lesser to no rains due to the El Nino phenomenon.
NWRB Dr. Sevillano David Jr. said in a press briefing that the board gave serious considerations to the situation of the public needing water supply and the available resources as the threat of the dams being dried up or going way below the critical level is looming due to the El Nino.
At the Laging Handa Public Briefing, Sevillano had said that they are implementing a lesser allocation to Maynilad and Manila Water by April 1, where they will reduce the present 50 cubic meters per second to 48 cubic meters per second.
But due to the appeal and the threat of the natural phenomenon, they had to balance things and decided to forgo the reduction, at least until April 15, where they will again review the status of the dams and check how fast the drop occurred.
“We have to be cautious in granting at ah masasabi natin na nasa conservation tayo in managing the situation sa angat dam considering this ah advisory in El Niño,” David said.
David said they understand it is difficult for the public as Mayniald announced possible water interruptions lasting up to 14 hours at most.
“The board will continue review ah this allocation of course in the light of threat of El Nino which PAGASA take effect on the last half of this year so yun po sa ngayon ang decision ng board and likewise this will also allow us to make an assessment kung ano po ang kasalukuyang nangyayare with this current allocation,” David said.
He also said that they will implement supply measures to recover losses that include putting stops to leakages, treatment facility, and get water from other treatment facilities like the Laguna Lake and deepwells.
The NWRB asked the public to conserve water.
“We are continuously appealing to the public po to help us address this situation na nararanasan natin. Lets conserve water lets be responsible in our use sabi nga natin try to recycle,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maynilad said that the water interruptions will continue, but changes to the number of hours will be adjusted as well.
They will likewise reactivate their deep wells and modular treatment plants to produce more water.
Catherine R. Cueto
