THE Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said that the National Water Resources Board has agreed to raise its water allocation to 50 cubic meters per second (cms) in September.
“The approved allocation of MWSS for September 2023 is 50 cms. Last month’s allocation is 48 cms, so the approved allocation this month is higher,” Patrick James B. Dizon, head of the MWSS Angat/Ipo operations management division, said in a Viber message.
Mr. Dizon said that the 50 cms provides an adequate buffer, though the final amount is subject to calibration if Ipo Dam needs to release water in the event it reaches spilling level.
“We will request Angat to reduce the releases to us if ever the watershed inflows are strong,” he said.
As of 6 a.m. on Monday, the water level in Ipo Dam declined to 101.01 meters from 101.07 meters a day earlier, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s website.
The water level remains slightly above the dam’s normal high water level of 101 meters. Ipo Dam is part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system.
Meanwhile, Angat Dam’s water level increased to 202.23 meters from 201.43 meters previously. Its normal high level is 210 meters.
Angat Dam is the main source of water for Metro Manila, accounting for about 90% of the capital’s potable water.
Jennifer C. Rufo, head of corporate communications of Maynilad Water Services, Inc., said in a Viber message that the west zone water concessionaire is in discussions with the MWSS on the appropriate sharing of the water allocation to ensure sustained uninterrupted supply for consumers.
“The 50 cms allocation is still enough for… our required volumes, especially since rains over the watersheds have been filling Ipo Dam,” she said.
Maynilad serves the city of Manila, except portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana. It also operates in Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon.
It also supplies the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario, all in Cavite province.
Manila Water Co., Inc. Group Director for Corporate Communications Affairs Nestor Jeric T. Sevilla, Jr. said the allocation will allow the company to offer uninterrupted service.
“This will enable us to continue to sustain the provision of 24/7 water supply to our 7.6 million customers in the East Zone,” he said in a Viber message.
Manila Water services Metro Manila’s east zone, which consists of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and several towns in Rizal province. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
