The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) will increase the water allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS)—from the current 42 cubic
meters per second to 46 cms beginning today, Friday, to ensure a steady supply of water for Metro Manila residents.
Sevillo David, executive director of the NWRB, in a text message, said the move is in light of the declaration of the state of public health emergency and the importance of water in undertaking the preventive measures against the coronavirus disease 2019, or Covid-19.
He also assured the public that there will be adequate water that would last throughout the year.
“The NWRB is assuring that water will be sustainably available throughout the whole year. The public is similarly asked to avoid wastage and to use water responsibly,” David said in a text message.
In an earlier interview, David said the water level at Angat as of January failed to reach the 212 meters above sea level mark, which will compel the NWRB to further adjust water allocation if the dry season continues to deprive Angat Dam the much-needed replenishment.
NWRB is working closely with the country’s water bureau, which he said gave an encouraging forecast for rain in the next few months.
Asked if there will be sufficient water considering the increased demand for water during the dry season, he said: “as per our scenarios and Pagasa’s [Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration] climate projection, there’s sufficient supply to address water need for the next months.”