Waterless Metro-Manila
Ninety seven percent of the water supply for Metro-Manila comes directly from Angat Dam, with the 3 to 4 % supplied by ground water from deep wells. The worst has come, water in Angat Dam is at 157.7 meters, 22 meters below the critical level.
The lowest water level recorded in Angat Dam happened in 1998, was 158.15 meters. In 1998, the customer base was only 3.3 million, in 2010, there are approximately 6.1 million. Demand for water has been high because of commercialization and the proliferation of condominiums and subdivisions.
The hardest hit areas are the ones serviced by Maynilad Water, one of the two water concessionaires; the other one is Manila Water. Maynilad water service area covers the West Zone. These areas include: Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, Parañaque, Valenzuela, parts of Quezon City, a part of Makati, Cavite City, and the municipalities of Rosario, Imus, Noveleta, Bacoor, and Kawit in Cavite.
Metro Manila residents are experiencing six-hour water service reductions. The said water service reductions will last until July 23, or perhaps until water levels in Angat Dam return to its normal levels. Maybe we need another “Ondoy” to fill the Angat Dam to its normal level.
What I am afraid about this development would be the implications on health. Will our water be safe for drinking? That can mean surge of diarrheal diseases, if water is not handled in a sanitary manner. People will stock water in containers, and Dengue mosquito loves clear stagnant water as their breeding ground. Dengue cases in Metro Manila have increased in the last six months. In addition, hand washing is the standard way of preventing any infection.
The clear view is we have to make a remedy now, because water demand by 2016, will be enormous. We all have to do our share, water is life!
