A drop in Angat Dam’s water level did not disrupt Metro Manila’s supply in July, but the experience is prompting the government to push stricter water conservation as a very strong El Niño threatens to bring drier conditions.
At a Palace press briefing Tuesday, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the country cannot afford to maintain normal water-use habits as the climate phenomenon intensifies.
“Hindi puwede pong business as usual; kailangan po na every individual, lahat ng mamamayan, gawin ang part natin by conserving water. Iyong mga unnecessary na paggamit po, katulad siguro ng mga car wash, pagbabasa ng ating mga driveway, at iyong mga swimming pool po – mga unnecessary iyan at this time. (It can’t be business as usual; every individual, all citizens, need to do their part by conserving water. Unnecessary uses like car washes, washing our driveways, and swimming pools are unnecessary at this time),” he said.
Cuna said Angat Dam, which supplies about 90 percent of Metro Manila’s water, fell to 150 meters in July. While the decline did not affect the capital’s water supply, he said it underscored the need to manage consumption before conditions become more difficult.
Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum has warned of a very strong El Niño that could persist through the first half of 2027.
Cuna said the effects of the phenomenon had already emerged from August to October, with another period expected from December to February, while its broader effects could continue through the first half of 2027.
El Niño occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become unusually warm. In the Philippines, it is generally associated with below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells and drought.
For households, Cuna said conservation can start with routine activities. He urged residents not to leave faucets running while showering or brushing their teeth, avoid unnecessary driveway washing and reduce frequent car washing and swimming pool use.
“Marami pong maaaring gawin ang ating mga mamamayan, mga simpleng bagay katulad ng habang naliligo, hindi dapat tumatakbo ang tubig, pati pagsisipilyo at mag-ipon ng tubig (There are many things our citizens can do, simple things like not letting the water run while showering, brushing their teeth, and collecting water),” he said.
He also encouraged households to reuse water when appropriate and collect rainwater for activities such as watering plants.
“Rainwater harvesting, ito po ay matagal na pong pinag-uusapan (we have been discussing this for a long time),” Cuna said.
The DENR is also coordinating with local governments to strengthen conservation measures and address leaks in water systems. Cuna said residents can help reduce water losses by reporting leaks promptly so water providers can repair them.
The government is also developing alternative sources to reduce Metro Manila’s dependence on Angat Dam.
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) spokesperson Patrick Dizon said five water treatment plants connected to Laguna Lake are already operational, while six more are expected to become available this year.
The additional six facilities, located in Cavite, Pasay, Antipolo and Laguna, are expected to contribute about 452 million liters of water per day.
The MWSS has also prepared deep wells capable of producing about 85 million liters daily and is developing additional wastewater treatment facilities.
Dizon said the agency is also rehabilitating aging pipelines and aqueducts to reduce losses before water reaches consumers.
Despite these projects, Dizon urged the public to continue practicing the wise use of water as El Niño is expected to persist into 2027.
“Marami po tayong puwede maitulong para makapag-prepare po tayo sa (We have many ways we can help to prepare for) El Niño,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Business World Online
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