The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Thursday approved the request by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s (MWSS) to retain the 52 cubic meters per second (cms) water allocation for Metro Manila Water concessionaires.
This has the immediate effect of sparing millions of households across the 16-city and one municipality area known as Metro Manila from feared supply interruptions at a time when El Nino-induced temperatures are a daily concern and electricity reserves prove dangerously low.
However, Sevillo David Jr., NWRB executive director, said the higher allocation will only be effective until June 15 and subsequently lowered to 50 cms by June 16 in order to provide water for irrigation.
“The decision was based on the request of MWSS to maintain the allocation which was allowed by the NWRB as the concessionaires continue to fix their systems to recover more water through pipe repairs and the augmentation of their treatment facilities. The 52 cms allocation is effective from June 1 to 15, 2023,” David said.
The NWRB is optimistic that 15 days is enough for the concessionaires to complete their water recovery improvement and augmentation efforts.
According to David, 40 cms is enough to allow farmers to water the fields at the start of the crop year, subject to a continuing review.
Data from the National Power Corp. show water elevation at Angat Dam of 189.62 meters or 9.62 meters more than the 180-meter minimum operating level.
