The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) approved the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s (MWSS) request to retain the 52 cubic meters per second (cms) water allocation to Metro Manila concessionaires.
Sevillo David Jr., NWRB executive director, said at the Laging Handa public briefing yesterday the allocation will be effective from June 1 to June 15. Volume will be lowered to 50 cms by June 16 to provide water for irrigation.
“The decision was based on the request of MWSS to maintain the allocation which was allowed by the NWRB as the concessionaires continue to fix their systems to recover more water through pipe repairs and the augmentation of their treatment facilities. The NWRB is optimistic 15 days is enough for the water concessionaires to finish their water recovery improvement and other augmentation efforts.
“The 40 cms is the regular (requirement for irrigation) when farmers start to plant. During the cropping season, water requirements for irrigation usually reaches up to 40 cms but this is always subject to their actual requirements,” David added.
David said Angat dam’s water level is sufficient for the requirements of Metro Manila. Based on data from the National Power Corp., the dam’s elevation as of 8 a.m. yesterday, is at 189.62 meters, 9.62 meters more than the 180 meters minimum operating level.
