INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. yesterday urged local government units (LGUs), especially in Metro Manila, to implement water conservation measures to prevent possible supply interruptions due to the continuing effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
Abalos made the call amid the continuing drop in the water level at Angat Dam, which provides around 90 percent of the potable water needs of Metro Manila, Rizal and portions of Cavite and Bulacan.
As of Wednesday morning, Angat’s water level was 182.15 meters, down by .48 meters from the previous day. The dam’s minimum operating level is 180 meters.
“Everyone should act and help to avoid water interruptions. We should conserve water,” Abalos said as he issued Memorandum Circular No. 2024-065 mandating all local chief executives, including barangay chairmen, to conduct regular monitoring of water meters and to immediately report leakages to water providers.
He said LGUs should also ensure that government offices have separate water meters to easily monitor their water consumption and possible leaks.
“These meters should be regularly checked to ensure that they are functioning properly,” he stressed.
“Main building water pipe valves are also recommended to be shut down from 7 p.m. or after employees have completely left the office, until 6 a.m. the following day,” Abalos said, as he urged employees in the LGUs’ maintenance divisions to “check the water meters after officer hours. The water meter should not be rotating at this time.”
He said building administrators should also regularly check for leaks and faulty fixtures, especially in toilets, to avoid water wastage.
Rainwater harvesting in government facilities or water catchment systems in residential areas should likewise be promoted and maximized to collect and store water which can be used for cleaning, Abalos said.
