Water-intensive businesses brace for Super El Niño

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Amid the looming effects of Super El Niño, some establishments in water-intensive sectors are adapting to the dry conditions of the season, with several switching to crops that require minimal water use.

In a "24 Oras" report by Bernadette Reyes on Friday, resort farm owners Ysrael and Romalyn Dantay shared that they shifted from growing leafy vegetables to plants that require less water, while also implementing rainwater harvesting measures.

“Na-experience namin ang bilis ng evaporation ng swimming pool so we need to refill everyday. ‘Yung tubig-ulan ngayon pa lang, dahil madalas ang ulan, sinesave na namin for future use,” Romalyn Dantay said.

(We experienced fast evaporation in our swimming pool, requiring us to refill it daily. Now, while rainfall is still frequent, we are already harvesting rainwater for future use.)

According to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), under the Water Code, domestic use and agricultural irrigation are prioritized for water supply should the effects of El Niño worsen, rather than recreational facilities such as resorts and golf courses.

“Ang gusto natin bawas bawasan ang requirement nila. Hangga’t maaari, kung pwede sila makapag-recycle. Sabi nga natin ‘yung paggamit ng mga tubig-ulan [o] rainwater harvesting ay kung pwede nila i-consider sa mga golf course,” NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David said.

(What we want is for them to reduce their water requirements. As much as possible, they should recycle. As we have mentioned, golf course operators should consider rainwater harvesting.)

While households are assured top priority for water supply, several families are already storing rainwater.

Nora Pura, a resident, said they want to avoid queuing up and competing for water from delivery trucks again.

“Naranasan na po namin siyempre ang hirap, maghihintay ka ng pagdating ng truck. Agawan, ‘di po ba?” Pura said.

(We experienced the difficulty before—waiting for the truck to arrive and competing for water, right?)

The NWRB said the water supply in Metro Manila will remain a priority, along with irrigation for crops that require continuous water, such as rice.

“Mas priority po yung water supply dito sa Metro Manila. Kung ikukumpara natin sa irrigation, pero sa irrigation, ‘pag nakapagtanim na ‘yung mga kababayan natin, kailangan natin i-sustain lalo ‘yung palay,” David said.

(Water supply in Metro Manila remains the top priority. Compared to irrigation, however, once our farmers have planted, we need to sustain their crops, especially rice.)

According to David, authorities will study whether adjustments to existing protocols are necessary, but domestic consumers will remain the top priority. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News