THE NATIONAL Water Resources Board (NWRB) has approved maintaining Metro Manila’s water allocation at 50 cubic meters per second (cms) for February, ensuring sufficient water supply.
Patrick James B. Dizon of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Angat/Ipo Operations Management Division said the decision was reached during the NWRB meeting last Jan. 26 after the MWSS was granted its request for a reservoir elevation of 240 meters by yearend, based on the Angat Technical Working Group’s projection.
“So, we have a sufficient amount of water or additional buffer for the summer,” Mr. Dizon said.
“The water releases shall be subjected to daily monitoring and assessment to determine if there is a need to modify, reduce or terminate the releases.”
He added that based on their projection, the water elevation will not drop to 180 meters by May.
Angat Dam is the primary water source for Metro Manila, providing approximately 90% of the capital’s potable water.
In a separate development on Monday, Manila Water Co., Inc. expressed openness to continue its partnership with the Pangasinan provincial government after the termination of a 25-year bulk water supply deal.
In an emailed statement, the east-zone concessionaire said that Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) has reached out to the province to explore the revival of their terminated concession agreement.
“This presents an opportunity to revisit the conditions precedent of the old contract and renew partnership for the benefit of Pangasinenses,” it said.
The terminated agreement, with a capital expenditure of about P8 billion, aimed to supply Pangasinan with an additional 200 million liters per day. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
