Water interruption seen as Angat Dam nears critical level
By Vincent Mariel P. Galang, Reporter
ROTATIONAL interruptions in water service are expected in Metro Manila after the Angat Technical Working Group (TWG) proposed to reduce the water allocation to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), with Angat Dam’s level seen to breach 160 meters in the next few days.
“The TWG is proposing to reduce the allocation to MWSS from 46 CMS to 40 CMS starting June 19 to 21 to fine-tune the preparation of the low level outlet (LLO) as a back-up water discharge before the Angat dam level reaches 160 meters. This is to lessen the significant effect of limited water supply in the coming days,” TWG said.
As of June 18, 6:00 a.m., the dam’s water level is at 161.7 meters, which is expected to further decline despite the onset of the rainy season.
The reduction in allocation will affect 70% of customers of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and 80% of Manila Water customers.
In a statement, Manila Water said this development “will affect water supply going to our treatment plants and, consequently, our ability to refill our reservoirs. We are therefore constrained to implement a new scheme of rotational water service interruptions for the entire East Zone for about 8 to 12 hours during night time. We will post the schedule of water interruptions in our social media platforms. We will continue to provide regular updates regarding water supply outlook for the East Zone.”
Maynilad, for its part, said, “We are constrained to implement rotational service interruptions throughout our concession area to maximize the limited supply and ensure that all customers will have some water supply, even within a few hours daily.”
“Maynilad has measures in place to mitigate the impact of this reduced allocation, including the extension of operating hours of our pumping stations and reactivation of deep wells, among others. If necessary, Maynilad will send out mobile water tankers and install static water tanks for severely affected areas.”
In a statement and subsequent clarification note, the National Water Resources Board said it is “constrained to implement a new scheme of rotational water service interruptions” in all of Metro Manila.
