Metro Manila has adequate supply water during the summer season but its residents should still conserve the precious resource, Malacañang said on Sunday.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. made the statement after an increased evaporation of water in Angat Dam has been reported amid the summer heat aggravated by El Niño dry weather phenomenon.
“According to the National Water Resources Board led by Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, we have sufficient supply of water in Metro Manila,” Coloma said in Filipino over government radio.
“Nonetheless, it is still important to conserve water and observe other steps to save water, not waste the resource,” he added.
Authorities earlier cautioned of increasing water evaporation in Angat Dam due to the drought-related El Nino phenomenon. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier reported that water level of Angat Dam has dipped to 195.30 meters as of Saturday. The level was 7.03 meters above the rule curve for the day, or desired water level to satisfy Angat’s purpose which is to provide water for drinking, irrigation and power generation.
Angat Dam, located in Bulacan, is the main source of water of Metro Manila.
Citing information from Singson, Coloma said authorities have already crafted an “El Niño preparedness plan” that involves measures to ensure stable water supply for Metro Manila. The blueprint, supervised by the El Nino Domestic Supply Management Task Force, involves water conservation and management. (Genalyn Kabiling)