NWRB to review proposal for additional water allocation

MANILA, Philippines — Possible water interruptions in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces have prompted the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to review Maynilad’s proposal to increase its current water allocation of 48 cubic meters per second.

West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. earlier warned that water interruptions may be implemented if the allocation will not be increased despite improvement in Angat Dam’s water level, currently at 199.91 meters as of yesterday morning.

The normal operating level of Angat Dam is 180 meters.

“The NWRB will review the situation in Angat Dam brought about by recent rainfalls due to typhoons and southwest monsoon. We have to consider also preparation of the dams with the possible drier conditions by October this year until next year due to El Niño,” NWRB executive director Sevillo David Jr. told The STAR in a text message.

Meanwhile, Maynilad president Ramoncito Fernandez said they were able to increase water supply by utilizing alternative sources.

“We have two water treatment plants where we are getting water from the Laguna Lake and we are now in the process of finishing our third plant by the end of the year,” he said.

“We will use this as a buffer or reserve so that when there is a need, we can have other sources,” he added.

The NWRB also allowed Maynilad to utilize deep wells due to El Niño, according to Fernandez.

“We have a program that was submitted to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). Our seven-year business plan was already approved. Under the program, the (non-revenue water) will be reduced to 20 percent and will cost us at least P4 billion a year,” he said.

‘High and enough’

There is no need to increase the water allocation since watershed areas continue to experience some rainfall, according to MWSS division manager Patrick Dizon.

“We’re still experiencing some rains in the watersheds so we don’t need to request for additional allocation from Angat Dam. If there is a need for higher allocation, we will coordinate with the NWRB,” he said.

“Compared with the level last year, Angat’s water level is high and enough for now. But our target elevation by yearend is around 210 to 212 meters. We need to prepare for the effects of El Niño, which is expected by fourth quarter until second quarter next year,” he added.