By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA, Sept. 16 (PNA) — In the face of a strong El Nino as reported by the State weather bureau, the Manila Water said on Wednesday that portions in the East Zone, particularly those located at high elevations and those at a farther distance from facilities, will experience “lower-than-normal” water pressure from 10 pm. to 5 a.m. daily starting Monday (Sept. 21) to help manage water supply in Angat Dam.
In its advisory, Manila Water said at least 155 barangays in Metro Manila and Rizal province, particularly in the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Paranaque and Antipolo; and the municipalities of Angono, Cainta and Taytay will experience low pressure for up to seven hours daily during the specified off-peak period.
“We seek the understanding of those affected by this necessary inconvenience. Manila Water has to manage water supply and pressure to ensure that all customers receive water every day,” said Jeric Sevilla, OIC for Corporate Strategic Affairs Group and Head of Manila Water Corporate Communications.
“We are implementing these service adjustments to help extend the supply from Angat until the second quarter of 2016,” he added.
Sevilla said the water concessionaire will be calibrating its service adjustments weekly “as we are dependent on two factors — whether there are still inflows to the dams due to rains and if there will be further reduction in water allocation.”
According to PAGASA, a mature and strong El Nino is already present in the tropical pacific and the weather phenomenon is considered to be potentially among the four strongest since 1950. Below normal rainfall is expected to affect most areas in the country until the El Nino tapers down by the middle of 2016.
The National Water Resources Board has earlier cut the allocation of water release from the dam for domestic use to 38 cubic metes per second (cms) for September from 41 cms in August.
As of Sept. 15, Angat Dam level is at 189 meters, or 23 meters below the normal operating level of 212 meters.
Sevilla said Manila Water will be employing measures to mitigate the impact to the public during this period.
The company’s ability to absorb the impact of El Nino due to efficiency gains in its operations such as aggressive system loss reduction, has allowed it to keep those affected at a minimal number, he said.
“Manila Water continues to urge its customers and the general public to continue to use water wisely and responsibly to cushion the impact of the strong El Nino,” he added.
Manila Water is the East Zone concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) that serves portions of Quezon City, Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Pateros, Taguig and Rizal Province. (PNA)