MANILA -- In preparation for the dry season, Manila Water called on its customers in Metro Manila's East Zone to conserve water as it announced the implementation of its Water Supply Contingency Plan effective this month.
According to Manila Water Corporate Strategic Affairs Group Head Jeric Sevilla, the water concessionaire will implement operational adjustments to better manage its water supply during the El Niño months, which is expected to stretch until June of this year.
Coupled with steadily rising demand due to population increase and rapid economic growth, the dry conditions threaten water levels at La Mesa Dam.
"We encourage everyone to treat water as the valuable resource that it is by using it wisely," said Sevilla, providing several tips on how to use water responsibly:
-- Always make sure that taps/ faucets are tightly closed.
-- Regularly check leaks and have it repaired immediately.
-- Recycle water. For example, collect water used to wash dishes and reuse for flushing the toilet.
-- When doing laundry by hand, soak heavily soiled clothes first to remove dirt easily. Use a basin or wash tub with the right amount of water. Don’t let the basin overflow under a running tap.
-- When doing the laundry by washing machine, wash with a full load only every other day. Use the necessary amount of detergent so that less rinsing is required.
-- When bathing, use a pail and dipper instead of the shower.
-- Turn off tap while washing, shaving or brushing teeth. Use a glass of water for gargling.
-- Instead of using running water, fill a basin or half of the sink with water to soak, soap, and rinse dishes or to clean fruits/ vegetables.
-- Do not thaw frozen food under a running tap. Bring out frozen food early enough to thaw at room temperature before cooking.
-- Water plants, garden, or lawn during cool parts of the day like early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
-- When washing the car, use a pail not a water hose, and a cotton rag instead of a sponge.
-- Report leaks, illegal connections, defective meters and unauthorized withdrawal of water from fire hydrants to Manila Water.
East Zone customers are also encouraged to follow and regularly visit Manila Water’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/manilawater) and Twitter account (www.twitter.com/ManilaWaterPH) for advisories and information on the water supply situation.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) earlier forecast that the country is currently experiencing mild El Niño, which begun in the last quarter of 2018. Most parts of the country will experience below normal rainfall, with Metro Manila potentially experiencing drought conditions from April to June 2019. (PNA)
