MANILA – The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has increased the allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the remaining days of April to help address water interruptions.
During the Laging Handa Public Briefing aired over PTV4 on Wednesday, NWRB Executive Director Dr. Sevillo David Jr. said they recognize measures being undertaken by the MWSS to immediately address water supply issues ahead of the El Niño phenomenon.
“So bilang tulong na rin po para maibsan ang water interruption ‘no, lalo na po sa west zone area ng Kamaynilaan na nakaka-apekto ng isang milyong kabahayan po natin, ay dinagdagan ng NWRB ang allocation sa MWSS mula po sa original na 48 cubic meters per second (cms) tungo po sa 52 cms para sa buwan po ng Abril po (To help mitigate the water interruptions, especially in the west zone area of Metro Manila, which is affecting around 1 million households, the NWRB increased the allocation to MWSS from the original of 48 cms to 52 cms for the month of April),” he said.
David said the requested 52 cms allocation for next month was also conditionally approved, pending MWSS’ execution of its commitments and compliance with certain conditions related to water augmentation and conservation within this month.
Latest forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) shows near normal rainfall in Angat area in Norzagay, Bulacan from May to September 2023. This is expected to replenish the water in Angat Dam and will alleviate the possible brunt of the impending El Niño phenomenon in the latter part of the year.
The NWRB, along with its partners MWSS, National Irrigation Administration, PAGASA, and the National Power Corporation are continuously monitoring, evaluating and managing the water supply for Metro Manila and its adjoining provinces.
A technical working group is also preparing contingency plans to minimize the effects of El Niño.
David also appealed to water consumers to use practical water conservation measures to ensure water supply sustainability in homes, offices, businesses and communities.
“Sa ngayon po, ayon naman po sa mga report na nari-receive natin ay nagkaroon naman po ng significant improvement doon sa supply po ng tubig partikular po sa nakakaranas po ng mga water interruption (We have received reports of significant improvement in the supply of water, particularly from those experiencing water interruption),” he added. (PNA)