By Robina Asido

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) started to reduce water allocation for Metro Manila this month in preparation for possible impact of a "very strong" El Nino that is expected to persist until the first half of 2027.

In a radio interview on Thursday, NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said the water allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) will be reduced from the standard of 50 to 52 cubic meters per seconds to 44 cubic meters per seconds.

"One potential impact of a very strong El Niño is a slight decrease in rainfall, which could affect the replenishment of our dams. While it is still early, the NWRB has decided to manage the water release from our dams—particularly Angat Dam," he said.

"For the month of October, the allocation will be lower than the standard allocation typically given to the MWSS," he added.

MWSS is a government-owned corporation responsible for managing raw water supply, sewerage, and sanitation services in Metro Manila and surrounding areas including parts of Cavite and Bulacan.

Despite the reduction of water allocation, David said that rotational water interruption is not expected as MWSS can still get more water from other sources.

"At present, we do not expect any water interruptions. This reduction is precisely intended to help manage the existing water supply in Angat Dam," he said.

"Currently, the MWSS and its concessionaires can tap into their other sources, such as Laguna Lake near Cavite, as well as Upper Wawa, where they can draw additional water to meet the needs of our citizens," he added. PHS