A SENATOR is calling for an investigation into the government’s readiness to deal with the decreasing levels of water in Angat Dam in Bulacan, the main source of Metro Manila’s water, following shortages in various parts of the capital.
In a statement Tuesday, Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said he filed Senate Resolution No. 329 “to avert the negative effects of the anticipated water shortage in the summer months.”
Water shortages began to manifest earlier this year when Angat Dam’s water level fell below critical, as did La Mesa Dam in Quezon City, a key reservoir for Angat water. The shortages led to the impositioning of rationing throughout the region and nearby provinces.
“Our experience last year shows that Metro Manila has inadequate water supply. Our regulator and concessionaires should be able to respond to this upcoming problem,” Villanueva said.
Mr. Villanueva said that the water level in Angat Dam has dipped below 212 meters, which is considered optimal. As of Tuesday, the water level was 202.23 meters, according to the government weather service, which is known as PAGASA.
Angat Dam supplies most of the water treated by the two Metro Manila concessionaires — Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) and Manila Water Co. (Manila Water). Manila Water is allocated 1,600 million liters per day (MLD) while Maynilad gets 2,400 MLD.
Manila Water said in August that the chronic water shortages could turn critical by 2021 if the government does not tap a new water source. The government’s solution to the ongoing water crisis is the construction of the Kaliwa Dam in Quezon and Rizal.
Earlier this year, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Emmanuel B. Salamat said Kaliwa is still in the design phase with a target completion of 2024 or 2025. — Gillian M. Cortez
