(Photo grabbed from Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course Facebook page)
MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), has directed general managers of public and private golf courses in Metro Manila to conserve water.
In its Bulletin 004 issued on Tuesday, the DENR-WRMO called the attention of the general managers of Camp Aguinaldo Golf, Veterans Golf, Army-Kagitingan Golf, Villamor Golf, Club Intramuros, Philippine Navy Golf, Wack-Wack Golf, Manila Golf, Valley Golf, Sun Valley Golf, Alabang Golf, Foresthills Golf and Eastridge Golf.
“All golf courses in NCR are directed to observe proper water conservation measures in irrigating fairways and greens as well as in clubhouse operations,” the bulletin read.
The WRMO said El Niño conditions still prevail over the country and that drought conditions will likely persist in May and June 2024.
It said despite being above its minimum operating level of 180 meters, the decrease rate of the water level at the Angat Dam has become “quite fast” due to the extremely dry conditions being experienced in the country, resulting in a huge consumption of water for both domestic and irrigation use.
The DENR-WRMO has issued several water conservation bulletins for government offices and facilities as well as for barangays and villages for household use.
“We need all sectors of society to contribute to conserving our water supply,” it said.
The bulletin also orders a regular maintenance check of the golf course main water meter during non-operation hours to detect any possible leaks in the system.
In case of internal leaks, it is advised that the main valve be closed from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Detected leaks that may need immediate attention should be reported to the DENR-WRMO by sending an email to [email protected], or the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System by calling 0967-3197144/0943-4648776.
Leaks along streets and before individual meters should be reported to their specific water service provider, Manila Water or Maynilad.
“For irrigating greens and fairways, golf courses are strongly encouraged to only utilize recycled water, reduce groundwater withdrawal, and cease, as much as possible, the use of piped water coming from your water service provider,” the bulletin read.
It also advised recycling water from the clubhouse, specifically those from sink and shower use, to augment the recycled water supply.
Swimming pool maintenance and other work that will require draining and replacing water in the pool should also be postponed.
Members and guests of these golf courses should also be informed of the El Niño conditions and their ongoing water conservation campaign.
The DENR said its personnel will be doing spot checks and information drives in the coming weeks. (PNA)
