Open or closed?

A debate of sorts started in the MWSS Facebook page, after a netizen who supposedly worked at the said water agency for several years simply told the official who was explaining the current water situation in terms of numbers to turn on the bypass valve thereby solving Manila Water’s supply issues. Like simply turning on a tap. But MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty immediately denied that the valve was closed, otherwise Manila Water would not receive any water at all.

The bypass valve controls the flow of water from Angat Dam to the two water companies, Manila Water and Maynilad. The percentage received by Maynilad is at sixty percent. But as the MWSS goes on the defensive, officials explained that the population served by Manila Water has exponentially increased, rendering its share of forty percent no longer sufficient. Maynilad has agreed to give some of its share to help with the crisis. President Duterte has also ordered the release of water from Angat Dam, to alleviate the water crisis in the metro.

Imagine how social media started a firestorm with regards to Manila Water’s supply woes. It is also not surprising that netizens seem to have sided with the unlikely "whistleblower", in spite of the MWSS explaining the situation to high heavens. Conspiracy theorists have also chimed in. I have always wondered, if El Niño is to blame for the current water shortage, why are the Angat and Ipo dams still substantially filled? Some are saying that the current El Niño is a weak one and will not affect the country much like previous ones. A tropical depression is even on its way into the country. If all is dry, why is it just in Metro Manila? Does the water supply rely on the La Mesa Dam alone?

The government has seen an opportunity to pitch the benefits of the China-funded Kaliwa Dam would have on Metro Manila. The project has been in the pipeline for years, but has always come across resistance from certain quarters and groups. If the Senate will continue to investigate the current water crisis, they should probably call the netizen, if he exists, who started it all and ask for his explanation. Officials from Manila Water and Maynilad should also be questioned regarding that bypass valve. The MWSS has gone into an intense media campaign to explain that the bypass valve is indeed open. Should we take their word for it, or wait for another Senate drama to unfold? Manila Water has since said that it has restored supply to 80% of its customers. Just like that.