Water shortage
The impending water shortage in some parts of the metropolis and Cavite province is ironic and downright poor governance for a nation that has just experienced the worst flooding in 40 years.
The shortage and imminent water rationing are a reflection of government’s seemingly low priority on water infrastructure amid a growing population and the highly urbanizing capital region. The government has not acted fast to address Metro Manila’s vulnerability to the supply shortage—Angat Dam to this date remains the lone water source of the metropolis.
A dry spell has reduced Angat Dam’s water level in Bulacan province to just over 200 meters at weekend. The lower level has prompted water regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to reduce supply from the dam by 13 to 24 percent from 46 cubic meters per second from February to June. MWSS plans to further trim the flow of water to just 35 cubic meters per second in June when the water level in Angat Dam sinks to just 168.21 meters.
The reduced output of Angat Dam means that as many as 65 villages in Metro Manila and Cavite will brace for water rationing next month. Valenzuela, Malabon, Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Quezon City and all villages surrounding Cavite City will bear the brunt of the reduced water supply.
The water shortage in Metro Manila could occur again in the near future when the El Niño weather pattern sets in. The government has actually prepared a blueprint to address water shortage in the capital region but lack of funding and political will have put the plan in the back burner.
The discredited Marcos government had thought of building Laiban Dam in Tanay, Rizal to serve as the second source of water supply in Metro Manila. The MWSS has lately revived the plan, with San Miguel Corp. emerging as the lone bidder for the project.
The parochial mentality of certain sectors in the society and corporate envy, however, have temporarily stalled the awarding of the project. Metro Manila and nearby provinces, in the meantime, will have to contend with water rationing.
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