MANILA, (PIA) -- The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is calling on residents of Metro Manila's villages and condominiums to conserve water in anticipation of potential supply disruptions during the ongoing El Niño season.
The agency aims to ensure adequate water reserves until the rainy season arrives.
In a report submitted to Task Force El Niño, the NWRB stated it has requested property managers of villages and condominium buildings to enforce their water management protocols in light of the dry weather phenomenon.
NWRB Bulletin No. 003 outlines specific actions for property managers, including informing residents about water conservation measures and conducting regular water meter checks to identify leaks.
"Residents should only water plants and clean roads and sidewalks when absolutely necessary," said NWRB OIC-Executive Director Ricky A. Arzadon. "If it rains, collect rainwater in drums whenever possible."
The NWRB is also urging residents to postpone any swimming pool maintenance that requires replacing water and to avoid using garden hoses for washing cars, driveways, and lawns.
"While we encourage residents to conserve water during this El Niño period, we also recommend they check their water meters regularly to detect potential leaks," Arzadon emphasized.
He added, "The NWRB advises property managers to delay any pool maintenance requiring water replacement. We are also promoting the use of pails and dippers for washing cars, cleaning driveways, watering lawns, and similar activities."
Arzadon assured that the NWRB's water management programs align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to mitigate and manage the effects of El Niño.
President Marcos' Executive Order No. 53 reestablishes a task force dedicated to El Niño response. The order, signed in January 2024, aims to develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan for both El Niño and La Niña weather events.
This plan will guide "systematic, holistic, and results-driven interventions" to aid the public in coping with and minimizing the detrimental impacts of these weather phenomena. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
