The National Water Resources Board on Tuesday approved a higher water allocation for Metro Manila concessionaires this month.
NWRB executive director Sevillo David Jr. said the board set the water allocation for this month at 44 cubic meters per second, up from last month’s 42 cms.
The board also approved an additional 1 cms allocation for the National Irrigation Administration from 35 cms on Jan. 19 to 31 to 36 cms this month.
David said Metro Manila water users are assured of continuous domestic and municipal water supply from the Angat reservoir despite El Niño.
As of Tuesday morning, Angat Dam’s water level reached 209.76 meters and La Mesa Dam’s water level, at 79.43 meters.
“Farmers in Bulacan and some parts of Pampanga are assured that sufficient amount of water will be apportioned in their whole cropping calendar,” David said.
Manila Water Co. Inc. Corporate Communications Head Jeric Sevilla Jr. said due to the retained allocation, water supply in the East zone will continue to be normal.
Sevilla said the company also indefinitely suspended the implementation of the offpeak water pressure reduction in its area.
Maynilad Water Services Inc. also assured its customers of safe water supply in the West zone.
Pagasa said that strong El Niño will continue until the second quarter of 2016.
NWRB reminded the public to continue their water conservation measures even though they are assured of stable water supply in the coming months.
“Everyone must not be complacent in the utilization of the precious water resource because there is a possibility that the El Niño phenomenon may extend beyond June 2016,” David said.
“It also needs to be considered that the transition period from Enso (El Niño Southern Oscillation) to neutral condition is expected by May to July 2016 thus the impacts of El Niño may be prolonged,” David added.
