The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday called for coordinated water conservation efforts as authorities warned of possible El Niño conditions that could bring an extended dry season and strain water supply systems.
The appeal was issued in coordination with the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) and the National Water Resources Board, as the government reactivated measures previously implemented during the 2023–2024 dry spell to help manage demand and safeguard essential services.
“Early action now will help protect our supply for drinking, health care, and essential services,” DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said, as cited in a department news release.
The DENR said the campaign is aimed at ensuring sufficient water for households, hospitals, and critical facilities while utilities address system losses through repairs, pressure management, and infrastructure improvements.
The advisory encouraged households to adopt conservation practices such as taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and fixing leaks promptly. It also urged the reuse of greywater, where safe, for non-drinking purposes such as flushing toilets and cleaning outdoor areas.
Nonessential water use, including car washing, driveway hosing, and refilling private pools, was discouraged unless necessary for health or safety reasons.
“Nonessential activities, including car washing, driveway hosing and private pool refilling, are discouraged unless required for health reasons,” Cuna said.
Local government units are expected to release schedules for water delivery and refill stations in areas experiencing shortages, while utilities will be directed to intensify leak detection and pressure management efforts to reduce water losses.
The DENR said potable water allocation will prioritize drinking, sanitation, and medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics.
“We will focus resources where they are most needed,” Cuna said, adding that the government will publish allocation guidelines and repair timelines to ensure transparency in distribution and response efforts.
The agency also committed to releasing weekly updates on reservoir levels, system performance, and ongoing relief measures, while requiring water agencies and local governments to submit regular monitoring reports to the WRMO.
Aside from public conservation appeals, the government said it will fast-track permits for water system repairs, require commercial establishments to submit conservation plans, and encourage rainwater harvesting for nonpotable use during rainfall periods.
Targeted assistance will be prioritized for hospitals, clinics, and low-income communities, the DENR said.
Cuna stressed that collective action is essential in managing the expected water strain.
“We are asking communities to work with us,” he said. “Together, we can protect the water people depend on.”
Photo courtesy of Pfister Faucets
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