Water crisis in Metro Manila
The water crisis in Metro Manila, Philippines is the ongoing crisis that affected most of the households with a water interruption. The crisis usually occurs in dry season from March to May. The water suppliers, Manila Water and Maynilad, held responsibility for the crisis.
Crisis
Water shortages
On March 6, 2019, about ten thousand households across Metro Manila began to lose water supplies.[1] On March 11, the water level in La Mesa Dam reached 68.93 masl, below its critical level of 69 masl.[2]
Manila Water COO Geodino Carpio cited the delay of water infrastructure projects, such as the constructions of a wastewater treatment plant in Cardona, Rizal and the Kaliwa Dam in Tanay, Rizal, for the issue. Manila Water also noted the critically low levels of the reservoir held by La Mesa Dam, its lowest level in 12 years, which the company relies on as their emergency supply of water source.[3][1] The affected residents have to wait in queue and for the arrival of the fire truck to obtain water for basic needs.[4]
On March 20, President Rodrigo Duterte threatens to terminate the contract with Manila Water and Maynilad amidst the water crisis.[5] On March 22, 2019, it was reported that the Manila "was finally able to improve water availability to 96 percent."[6]
Water interruptions
Due to low levels of water sources in Angat Dam and Ipo Dam, rotational water interruptions will likely to occur at any time (with the prior announcements from the water supplier) across Metro Manila.[7] Other consumers had to wake up early in the morning to obtain the water for basic needs.[8]
References
- Sabillo, Kristine (March 12, 2019). "Why is there a water shortage in Metro Manila?". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
On March 4 and 5, Manila Water announced it would implement an “El Nino Water Supply Contingency Plan” for Taguig City, Pasig City, Marikina City, Quezon City and parts of Rizal. There were no details about how many hours the affected areas would lose water, except that it would start on March 6.
- "La Mesa Dam Breaches Critical Level". ABS-CBN News. 2019-03-11.
- "La Mesa dam level lowest in 12 years: data". ABS-CBN News.
- "PODCAST: Ano ang dapat mong malaman tungkol sa Metro Manila water crisis?". Rappler.
- "Duterte may babala sa Manila Water, Maynilad". ABS-CBN News.
- "EXPLAINER: How Manila Water is equalizing the water shortage among its customers". ABS-CBN News. 2019-03-20.
- "Water interruptions to hit Metro Manila". CNN Philippines.
- MWSS kinalampag dahil sa serye ng water interruption ng Maynilad, Manila Water | TV Patrol (October 24, 2019). Hindi maganda ang gising ni Aling Vivian, napuyat kasi siya sa kaiigib ng tubig kagabi para paghandaan ang water service interruptions...