MMDA PR/via Mark Fetalco – PTV News
As water level of Angat Dam continues to drop, the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC), concerned government agencies and water concessionaires discuss contingency measures on how to prepare for a worsening water shortage.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and concurrent MMDRRMC chairman Danilo Lim highlighted the need to prepare for the worst when water supply from water concessionaires begin to reduce in the coming weeks.
“The public, especially those located in vulnerable areas, must know what to expect with the water level of Angat Dam now at critical level,” said Lim during a special MMDRRMC meeting on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by officials of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and water concessionaires, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and other concerned government agencies.
During the meeting, PAGASA said that while it had declared the start of the rainy season last week, the amount of rainfall is still not enough to boost the water level of the Angat Dam.
Angat Dam’s water elevation dropped to critical low level mark of 160 meters, foreseen to reduce Metro Manila’s water supply.
“According to PAGASA, there will be no widespread rains but only localized rain showers for the next eight days,” said Jojo Garcia, MMDA general manager.
To facilitate the delivery of water supplies to areas that may be affected, Lim said trucks of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company Inc. are still exempted from the number coding scheme.
“We have a standing order authorizing tankers bringing water to affected areas, with no restrictions on number coding,” said Lim.
Maynilad handles the west zone or parts of Metro manila and Cavite while Manila water handles the east zone or parts of eastern Metro Manila and Rizal.
Garcia also called on the public to learn and practice responsible use of water, rather than saving water.
“It is high time for public to be educated on responsible use of water,” Garcia said.
Thinking ahead, Garcia said there should be long-term measures to prevent the problem from happening again in the coming years.
The MMDA has mobile water purifying filters which can be used.
