SMC offers Angat dam allocation to alleviate Metro Manila water crisis
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 15) — More water can be sourced from Angat dam to alleviate the water shortage in Metro Manila, according to a diversified conglomerate.
San Miguel Corporation announced in a statement Friday that it has sought approval from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to approve its proposal to deliver 140 million liters of clean, treated water to areas affected by the water shortage.
The water will be sourced from its untapped capacity from Angat dam, through SMC's Bulacan Bulk Water Treatment Plant.
SMC listed the following areas as those affected by the water shortage: Mandaluyong, San Juan and Pasig in Metro Manila, and Angono, Antipolo, Taytay and Binangonan in Rizal province.
SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang said they will need to coordinate with MWSS and local government units (LGUs) to deliver water.
"We need to acquire several container trucks to deliver water. Again, we will work and coordinate with the MWSS and LGUs on this. We hope to be able to implement this plan at the soonest possible time," Ang said in the statement.
He added that the Bulacan plant must also be opened to allow third party suppliers as a source of potable water, which would require the approval of the MWSS.
Ang said phase 1 of the water treatment project has a production capacity of 200 million liters per day. However, he said many water districts have yet to upgrade and prepare their facilities to receive water from the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project (BBSWP) so only about 60 million liters per day are currently being tapped.
"This leaves an excess capacity of about 140 million liters per day, which is enough to serve the average daily requirements of two million people or about 455,000 households," he said.
According to SMC, BBSWP stage 1 was operationalized in January. Upon completion, the company is required to supply water to 24 Bulacan water districts at P8.50 per cubic meter.
