NWRB retains higher water allocation for Metro Manila until June 15

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 1) — The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said Thursday that it has retained the 52 cubic meter per second (cms) water allocation for the two water concessionaires in Metro Manila in a bid to prevent water interruption in the region.

The said allocation for Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water will be retained until June 15.

The NWRB said the retention of higher water allocation in Metro Manila is to give the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and water concessionaires more time to fix their systems like pipe and treatment facilities, and other activities to increase the water supply.

The NWRB is expected to lower the water allocation for MWSS starting June 16 which will be at 50 cms.

“Umaasa po tayo na ang kasalukuyang efforts ng MWSS at mga konsesyunaryo para matugunan ang nawawalang tubig sa sistema po, umaasa po tayo na maka-recover sila nang sapat para naman po itong 50 cubic meters pagdating ng June 16 ay significantly makakatulong na rin po at wala pong effect ito sa pangangailangan ng mga kababayan natin,” said NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David in a public briefing.

[Translation: We are hoping that the efforts of the MWSS and the concessionaires will be able to address some water supply woes. So that by June 16, the 50 cubic meters of allocated water will be still enough for everyone.]

Meanwhile, the agency said water allocation for irrigation will be at 40 cms which is supposedly enough during the start of the planting season.

Sevillo said the water level at Angat Dam is at 189.64 meters which is at its normal level, but the upcoming El Niño would mean less rainfall and less water supply in the dam.

“Kaya nga po kailangan natin paghandaan ito para naman po sa panahon ng El Niño ay may sapat tayong supply na magagamit ng mga kababayan natin. Kaya patuloy po ang panawagan natin ng water conservation efforts,” he said.

[Translation: We need to prepare so that we have enough water supply during El Niño. We are asking the public to make water conservation efforts.]