NWRB sets water allocation for MWSS at 50 cms for July

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Wednesday said it granted the request of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for an allocation of 50 cubic meters per second (cms), still above the normal 48 cms allocation, from the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system for July.

“For the water allocation in Metro Manila, the Board decided to grant the allocation of 50 cms for July,” NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said in an interview with reporters.

This month, the NWRB set the water allocation from the Angat Dam at 52 cms for the MWSS to avert possible water service interruptions. 

“We need to monitor the development. If it is necessary to have an adjustment to manage the supply, we are not discounting that it can happen. But right now, it is 50 cms for July, but subject to adjustment if necessary,” David said.

For irrigation, the NWRB chief said the agency set a maximum of 28.5 cms in Bulacan and Pampanga.

“We want to remind you that the fear of El Nino is still there, we need to manage the supply and prepare for this weather phenomenon,” he said.

In a separate interview, MWSS Angat/Ipo Operations Management Division head Patrick James Dizon thanked the NWRB for granting its request for 50 cms allocation.

Dizon explained that the lower allocation request took into consideration the projected high rainfall activities in the watershed next month.

“Sa projection ng PAGASA na by July nasa near normal ang rainfall sa watershed considering din ‘yung mga augmentation measures na na-prepare during summer almost complete na rin. We are hopeful na we will be receiving rain this July sa watershed,” the MWSS official said.

Since April, the NWRB has raised the water allocation for the MWSS - which has concession deals with Manila Water and Maynilad to serve the east and west zones of Metro Manila and nearby provinces - to 52 cms amid the lower rainfall during the hot dry season.—LDF, GMA Integrated News