Despite the Department of Environment and Natural Resources evaluation, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System asserted on Tuesday that there would be enough water next year, even with El Niño looming.
Announcing readiness for the expected drought, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has stated it exceeded its Angat Dam water storage goal with 214 meters on hand.
“Isang taon po natin itong pinaghahandaan. Nakapag-ipon po tayo at umabot pa ng above our target elevation na 212 meters, meaning magiging kampante tayo sa onset ng El Niño,” MWSS District Manager Engineer Patrick Dizon said.
The DENR cautions that not saving water sufficiently throughout El Niño could risk our access to it.
Dizon mentioned that even though Angat Dam’s water levels might fall below the standard operating mark of 180 meters amid El Niño’s climax, PAGASA predicts a replenishment with June’s rainfalls.
Nonetheless, PAGASA noted that forecasts for rain hinge on the actual duration of the El Niño drought period.
Water supply in 2024 sufficient despite El Niño threat – MWSS
“Nakikita natin by June ay ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation)-neutral conditions na. Ibig sabihin po, papawala na ‘yung El Niño at sabi po natin, around April ‘yung possible peak ng epekto ng El Niño. Huwag lang po talaga magpo-prolong na ‘yung aasahan natin ‘yung onset ng rainy season tapos hindi siya darating, or dumating man ‘yung tag-ulan pero magkakaroon ng monsoon break [o paghinto sa pag-ulan],” said Ana Liza Solis, PAGASA spokesperson for El Niño.
If El Niño continues, MWSS will take extra steps to prevent another water shortage like in 2019.
“Sa ngayon po, meron na tayong augmentation measures na nagawa, [gaya ng pagtayo ng] additional water treatment plants, mga deep well, [at] mga reduction sa ating non-revenue water. Kaya na pong ma-sustain o mapunan ‘yung kabawasan ng allocation na nanggagaling sa Angat Dam,” Dizon said.
Maynilad and Manila Water have stated that their infrastructure is prepared to supply extra water if necessary.
“Last week, nag-inaugurate kami ng pangatlong planta namin sa Laguna Lake, itong Poblacion Water Treatment Plant kung saan ‘yung first 50 million liters per day ay available na ngayong month ng December, and magfu-full swing ito to 150 million liters per day by first quarter ng 2024,” Maynilad Water Supply Operations Head Engineer Ronald Padua said.
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