Strong El Niño threatens water supply

MANILA, Philippines - The government urged the public to conserve water in preparation for a possible strong El Niño by the end of the year until the first quarter of 2016.

“Forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and other international climate agencies indicate a high probability that the current moderate El Niño affecting the country may intensify to strong in the last quarter of 2015 and may extend up to the first quarter of 2016,” read the announcement.

“This means that less rainfall is expected and may not be sufficient to bring the much-needed water to refill our dams. Water supply to consumers may be affected if the water allocation to Metro Manila residents will be further reduced,” it added.

The advisory was published in a full-page advertisement in yesterday’s issue of The Philippine STAR by various national government agencies and the two major water utility providers in Metro Manila – Manila Water Company Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc.

Joining PAGASA were the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the National Power Corporation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the National Water Resources Board and the National Irrigation Administration.

“Although domestic consumption is prioritized when the water level in Angat Dam falls below normal, the El Niño phenomenon will put stress on our water resource which may lead to constraints in water supply,” added the advertisement.

The agencies asked the public to prepare for the scenario by doing their share in conserving water.

The public was also asked to report leaks, illegal connections, defective meters and unauthorized withdrawal of water from fire hydrants.

“Private and government agencies from the water sector will strive to mitigate the impact of El Niño to our water services through regular service improvements and contingency measures,” they added.