Maynilad hits NWRB over Angat Dam release

MANILA, Philippines - Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) yesterday slammed the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) for allowing the release of water from the Angat Dam despite low water reserves.

The decision of NWRB to release water for irrigation is in violation of the rules of the Angat Dam, Maynilad said.

The water concessionaire said the rules state that “release of water for irrigation purposes should be suspended when water level in the dam is below 180 above sea level.”

The NWRB released 42 cubic meters of water from Aug. 23 to 27, and 21cms from Aug. 28 to 31 for irrigation.

Maynilad said the water level at the Angat Dam, which is located in the province of Bulacan, was 178.17 meters at that time.

The water company urged the NWRB, National Power Corp. and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to suspend the release of water for irrigation with the looming threat of El Niño.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area including Quezon City, Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon, and the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite.