MWSS urges businesses to limit water usage amid shortage problems

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) urged businesses that use massive volumes of water to conserve and limit their usage amid the water crisis.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Bernadette Reyes, the water level in Angat Dam dropped again on Wednesday. 

Maynilad Water Services Inc. then announced the extension of water interruption in several areas in Metro Manila until May 16.

MWSS is now urging business owners to limit their water usage.

“I-restrict nila yung paggamit ng car wash, swimming pool, golf courses kasi malakas sila kumunsumo,” said MWSS Deputy Administrator, Jojo Dorado.

(They should restrict water use in car wash, swimming pools, and golf courses.)

However, some business owners said it will be difficult since water is their primary capital in their business.

"Medyo mahirap siya dahil mas maganda pa rin talaga pressured water. Siguro mag-iimbak na lang kami ng tubig. May mga malalaking drum naman kami diyan na pwedeng gamitin lalo na pag mga weekends," said Aaron Gaspar, a car wash manager.

(It would be difficult because we use pressured water. We may try to store water in drums which we can use during weekends.)

Agnes Julian, a swimming pool rental owner, however, said “‘Yan ang isa sa malaking source of income namin. Parang 'Di naman maganda na ic-close or ili-limit. 'Di kami malakas gumamit ng tubig alaga ng pool namin sa cleaning solution."

(It's our source of income. We can't close or limit water use. We don't often change water; we use cleaning solutions to keep our water clean.)

The GMA Integrated News team is trying to get the Metro Manila Council's side regarding the request to pass the local ordinances.

In 2019, it was shown that watering plants was the primary cause of most water usage in houses, according to Manila Water. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News