Ahead of rotational interruptions, Manila Water appeals to customers to 'store just enough water'

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24) — Manila Water on Thursday appealed to its customers to store just enough water, as it is set to begin implementing rotational service interruptions.

In an interview on CNN Philippines’ The Source, Manila Water Corporate Communications Officer and Spokesperson Jeric Sevilla said storing too much water may further worsen the company's operation amid low water supply.

“We are asking customers to somehow store just enough water because that somehow distorts the distribution,” Sevilla said.

“Under normal situation, water flows even to the farthest highest places, but sometimes when people store too much water, especially those residing at lower levels, sometimes it takes time for water pressure to build up,” he explained.

The company had earlier announced the schedule of the service interruptions, affecting its consumers in Metro Manila east zone. This includes areas in Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Manila, Paranaque, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, and Taguig.

READ: Water interruptions to hit Metro Manila

Sevilla said the rotational service interruptions will begin Thursday night and last for four to ten hours.

He explained that the interruptions are due to the decreasing level of water in Angat Dam, where the company sources its supply.

Because of the low water level, Manila Water only gets around 1.35 billion to 1.4 billion liters of water from the dam, far from the normal 1,6 billion liters daily allocation.

Sevilla said the company is augmenting the problem by utilizing other sources of water such as deep wells and its plant in Cardona, Rizal

“We really need additional resources to cope with increasing demand,” he said.