Despite an increase in the water level of Angat Dam, water rationing among 1.126 million Maynilad Water Services Inc. customers in Metro Manila will continue indefinitely. On Tuesday, Angat Dam plant manager Engr. Rodolfo German said that from the all-time low level of 157.57, the water level as of 6 A.M. Tuesday reached 157.78, and continues to rise little by little. German also said they have not observed any cloud seeding operations in the area. The recent rains proved insufficient, and German explained that it would take a week of consecutive heavy rains for the water levels to return to normal. German said that there is a need for the construction of additional water sources, such as the Laiban Dam in Tanay, Rizal. Meanwhile, those affected by the 30 percent water reduction done by Maynilad will continue to receive water rationing indefinitely. Maynilad Manager for Corporate Communication Cherubim Ocampo said the 117 severely affected barangays in Las Pinas, Manila, the Camanava area (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) and Cavite are being prioritized in the water distribution. She said the water is potable, as it comes from treatment plants and reservoirs and is disinfected and treated before being distributed by water tanker. But he advised those who wish to use the water for drinking to make sure that their containers are properly disinfected. Ocampo added that Maynilad is looking to borrow or rent company-owned water tankers from Cavite and Bulacan, as the 30 water tankers they use are not enough to deliver water to the affected families. They are also approaching local government units as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection about the possibility of converting firetrucks to additional water tankers. The water tankers are small, only 5 cubic meters, which means one tanker can hold 25 drums of water. The policy is to fill all the containers in the affected areas, so it is difficult to determine a fixed number of families that can be helped in a single trip. The water tankers distribute from 6 A.M. to 10 in the evening. Maynilad is also discussing water allocation and water supply with MWSS and Manila Water, as the situation will not significantly improve unless Maynilad receives a bigger water allocation. Maynilad is also open to subsidize cloud seeding operations by the government. Those who wish to offer assistance with additional water tankers may contact Maynilad's Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Office at 9813482.
