Metro Manila water allocation may be reduced in October amid El Niño --NWRB

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The water supply allocation for Metro Manila could be reduced in October as the country braces for the possible effects of El Niño, according to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

According to a "Saksi" report, NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said the allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System could be lowered to 44 cubic meters per second (cms) in October.

This is below the usual 50 to 53 cms allocation.

The Angat Dam remains the main source of water for Metro Manila, with its supply largely dependent on rainfall.

David said water sources could become limited during El Niño, prompting the government to maximize alternative sources.

“Hangga’t maaari po ay gamitin muna iyong ibang puwedeng mapagkunan ng tubig ng MWSS. Nandiyan po iyong water treatment facilities diyan sa Laguna Lake, at iyong iba pong mga water treatment facilities diyan po sa Cavite at bandang Paranaque," he said.

The NWRB said it would continue monitoring water levels and supply conditions as El Niño develops.

The state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), earlier warned of a possibly record-breaking El Niño in the coming months.

It said fewer rains are expected come October due to the El Niño phenomenon.

PAGASA said that the El Niño could last until March or even June. Around 40 provinces are expected to experience less rainfall during the dry spell and drought. Once January comes, it is expected that this number could leap to 80. —LDF, GMA News