The Angat Dam is part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system that supplies about 90% of water requirements in Metro Manila. As of 8AM of April 14, 2020, the water level in the Angat Dam is at 192.95 meters, 32.95 meters away from its critical level of 160 meters. Photo from mwss.gov.ph.

MANILA, 14 April 2020 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) today urged the general public to conserve water throughout this dry season as water levels in Angat Dam continue to fall below normal operating level. Angat Dam is part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system that supplies about 90% of water requirements in Metro Manila.

The CCC also reiterated the implementation of Administrative Order No. 24 issued by the President mandating all government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to strictly implement water conservation measures.

As of 8AM of April 14, 2020, the water level in the Angat Dam is at 192.95 meters, which is 17 meters lower than its normal operating level of 210 meters.

To prevent the potential decrease of water supply allocation in Metro Manila and nearby regions, the CCC encourages everyone to avoid the unnecessary and excessive use of water, especially now that there is a greater household demand due to the imposed enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to arrest the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The CCC explained that the inadequate and intermittent water supply in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country could have massive impacts on different sectors, especially in agriculture and health. While the country is still grappling with a pandemic, the CCC said that we must be prudent and wise in consuming our limited water resources.

The CCC mentioned that water security is among the seven thematic priorities of the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP). Access to safe water and proper sanitation are necessary to achieve climate resilience and sustainable development.

Among the measures that individuals could do to observe responsible water utilization and conservation in their homes are the following:

• Check water pipelines and report leaks and illegal connections regularly;

• Recycle water by using a basin while rinsing dishes, fruits, vegetables, and other food products and using the water to flush toilets;

• Cut down your shower time by a minute or two;

• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and washing your hands; and

• Install rainwater catchment.

Water scarcity is a growing threat the country must confront squarely and address immediately in the new normal. The increasing demand for water is exceeding available supply. While individual contributions are vital, the government is pursuing long-term solutions to provide access to safe and reliable drinking water sources to people. At the community level or in every city or municipality, importance must be given to programs on water safety and availability measures, strengthening water systems and capacities, and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene for all.