Solidum says no need to hoard water as supply sufficient amid El Niño

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ANGELES, Pampanga —There is no need to hoard water amid the El Niño phenomenon as supply remains sufficient in the next several months, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said.

"Dapat nga hindi nagho-hoard [ng tubig] because wala namang issue pa," Solidum said during a press conference in Angeles, Pampanga.

(People should not hoard water because there's no issue yet.)

He added that the public should not worry, especially in areas with well-managed dams and water conservation measures.

Solidum, instead, urged the public to save rainwater and use for household needs like washing the car and watering the plants.

"Bakit ka pa mag-i-imbak ng drinking water kung may supply pa naman? Kasi priority ng government niyan to supply the drinking water," Solidum said.

(Why store drinking water when there’s still a supply available? The government’s priority is to ensure the supply of drinking water.)

"But in case lang na may mga lugar na talagang walang-wala, then that's the time you actually use it (stored water)," he added.

(But only in cases where certain areas are completely without water should you actually use the water you’ve stored.)

As of 8 a.m., Angat Dam’s water level slightly decreased to 209.19 meters from 209.33 meters recorded on Sunday.

The dam's minimum operating level is 180 meters, while its normal high water level is at 210 meters.

Angat Dam supplies around 90% of the water needs of Metro Manila, Rizal, and portions of Cavite and Bulacan.

Meanwhile, the water levels were also recorded on the following dams on Monday:

• Ipo: 100.55 meters
• La Mesa: 79.35 meters
• Ambukalo: 751.82 meters
• Binga 574.71 meters
• San Roque: 281.54 meters
• Pantabangan 210.11 meters
• Magat: 190.49 meters
• Caliraya: 286.85 meters

PAGASA Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section Chief Ana Liza Solis earlier said most parts of the country will experience less rainfall until May 2027.

"So actually, most parts or all parts of our country will be receiving less rainfall until May 2027. Meaning, a significant reduction in rainfall of more than 60%," Solis said.

"So most vulnerable areas are those areas that are not receiving rain normally. Those areas are situated along the western section of the country, including the Panay area and MIMAROPA area," she added.—LDF, GMA News