The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) urged the public to conserve water in preparation for a stronger El Nino phenomenon starting this September.

MWSS-RO Chief Regulator Joel Yu gave the announcement in a live interview at DZMM program, “Teka Muna” hosted by Peter Musngi and Pat-P Daza last Saturday, 19 September 2015. He said the adverse effects of El Nino will intensify compared to the El Nino experience in 2010. Prolonged droughts will be felt this month up to the months of April to May 2016.

The height of the dry spell also puts constraints on Metro Manila’s water supply. Chief Regulator Yu emphasized that MWSS-RO and its Corporate Office are vigilantly taking precautionary measures to mitigate the effects of El Nino including the reduction of water level at Angat Dam. Angat Dam supplies 97 percent of domestic water needs in Metro Manila. It has a normal operating level of 210 meters above sea level.

Chief Regulator Yu urged everyone to use water wisely and responsibly. It should be treated as a valuable resource. He said that it is imperative that we help each other and show our resolve to save water to ensure continued water supply. He added that the two water concessionaires of MWSS, namely Manila Water Company, Inc. (Manila Water) for the East Zone and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) for the West Zone, are also efficiently doing their part in alleviating the effects of El Nino. Issuing a warning to the public of a possible water shortage, Maynilad has started last week to reduce water supply for households from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am while Manila Water has reduced water pressure.

The MWSS and the concessionaires, in partnership with other national government agencies, also released water conservation tips to help protect water supply.