In an effort to avert massive water interruptions in the coming months, the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expanded the coverage of its water conservation directive to include all residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjacent provinces.

In its Bulletin No. 2, the WRMO instructed all barangay officials and condominium and subdivision managers to advise residents to conserve water through reduction of activities that consume a large amount of water, such as watering the lawn and washing vehicles.

The WRMO said that residents should likewise be encouraged to promote rainwater collection for non-potable use of water, and to reuse laundry and dishwashing wastewater for watering plants.

The WRMO also directed all local government units in NCR to fast track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad.

“As we prepare for even drier conditions due to El Niño, it is, more than ever, important to conserve water in order to prevent massive water interruptions later this year,” the WRMO said.

Earlier, the WRMO issued its first ever bulletin containing the guidelines for effective implementation of water conservation measures by all government offices, through their building administrators.

WRMO’s Bulletin No. 1 was issued pursuant to Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 22 in which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. mandated all government agencies and instrumentalities to strictly implement water conservation measures as part of efforts to prevent a water crisis amid a looming El Niño phenomenon.

In its second bulletin, the WRMO said its team shall conduct spot inspections of office buildings for unwarranted use of water, leaks, and faulty bathroom fixtures. The team will ensure that WRMO Bulletin Nos. 1 and 2 are posted in offices accordingly.

The WRMO said that together with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS), it will review the monthly water bills of all government facilities in accordance with MC 22. Notices on excessive use of water shall be issued, it added.

The office also advised the public to report leaks along streets to the MWSS (8929-5691, 8922-2969, 0967-3197144, or cch@mwss.gov.ph), or to the water service providers Manila Water (1627) or Maynilad (1626). Leaks within compounds and which may need major repairs may be reported to the DENR-WRMO through wrmo@denr.gov.ph.

WMRO’s Bulletin No. 2 was issued as the water level in Angat Dam, which supplies potable water to NCR and nearby provinces, continues to drop amid an impending El Niño dry spell.

As of July 8, 2023, the water level in Angat Dam was at 179.99 meters, which is below the 180-meter minimum operating level.

When below operating levels, the allocation for irrigation will be reduced and supply for NCR and the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan will be at the minimum volume. As such, residents could expect lower water pressures mainly during the night and possible interruptions in certain areas serviced by MWSS.

Under MC 22, President Marcos directed the WRMO to monitor the progress of all agencies towards conserving water through the analysis of their monthly water bills, with the aim of reducing their consumption by 10 percent.

Created last April by virtue of Executive Order No. 22, WRMO is mandated to ensure availability and sustainable management of water resources in the country. #.