by Catherine Teves/PNA
The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is studying how to help ensure water supply of critical infrastructures amid the continuing onslaught of drought-driving El Niño phenomenon.
“One of the things we’re studying is whether to open back-up wells,” said NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr.
Water from the back-up wells will augment water supply of critical infrastructure like hospitals, enabling these to continue delivering vital services.
NWRB is the government agency responsible for all water resources nationwide.
The agency has already disallowed the construction of deep wells in Metro Manila to prevent further extraction of groundwater in the region.
“Perhaps for critical infrastructure like hospitals, however, back-up wells may be allowed,” David said.
He said NWRB will discuss the matter with Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).
NWRB will also verify which of Metro Manila’ so-called critical infrastructures have deep wells already, he noted.
In 2004, NWRB issued Resolution 001-0904 to address over-extraction of groundwater in Metro Manila and nearby areas. It allows groundwater extraction to help ensure unhampered operation of hospitals, fire-fighting stations and other infrastructure providing vital services to the public.
Resolution 001-0904, however, clarified that “extraction shall be made only as back-up to commercial water supply.”
Manila Water Company Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. are MWSS’ private water concessionaires operating in the service area.
The service area is already feeling El Niño’s brunt with several locations experiencing water shortage due to diminishing reserve in La Mesa Dam and Angat Dam.
Expected further rainfall reduction from El Niño is dimming both dams’ water prospects.
Government forecast El Niño to last until around June this year.
