Water rationing, supply cutback looming in Metro

A plan to further reduce the scheduled release of water from Angat Dam to Metro Manila could result in rationing and a cutback in water supply to consumers in the metropolis, according to Manila Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) said.

Rafael Aguado, operations head of Maynilad, told The Star that any additional reduction beyond the existing five percent cut in water supply would broaden the scope of areas without water and increase instances of irregular water supply.

The National Water Resource Board (NWRB) plans to reduce water releases from Angat Dam to Metro Manila by as much as 20 percent. The gradual reduction began this January with a five percent cutback. Another five percent cut may be implemented in February, which would bring the total cut in water releases to 10 percent.

"As of now, the impact of the water shortage with the five percent reduction has already affected parts of Valenzuela, Project 8, and Parañaque and others, especially elevated areas," Aguado told The Star. "Some areas have experienced sporadic water supply, only having water during odd hours, while some do not have water coming out of their faucets anymore. A further reduction beyond the five percent would be too much for consumers."

Aguado said that possibly by next month, Maynilad would resort to measures such as tankering, reallocation or redistribution, and cutting back the hours of water supply to consumers.

He explained that water in areas with 18 to 24 hours of supply would be cut to give water to other areas without water.

"We have to make the most of what we have," Aguado said.

The water level at Angat Dam dipped by some four meters below its operating level of about 206 meters.

Authorities have asserted that the reason for the low water level at the water reservoir was due to the abnormal climate during the fourth quarter of 2003, with the less than expected occurrence of rainfall.

However, it has also been revealed that the over-release of water from the Angat Dam to farmlands in October, and November of last year contributed to the water shortage in the metropolis.

But the NWRB has defended the water releases in 2003, saying it was necessary and that even without the releases for irrigation, the water shortage was "bound to happen" due to the continued growth in population.