DO away for the meantime, using inflatable or portable pools.

This was the advice of the Interior and Local Government to the public, as they also urged residents to use recycled water for toilets.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos made the remark as the water level at Angat Dam continues to drop below normal.

Courtesy AFP

“Sana hangga’t maaari iwas-iwasan natin. Kung hindi talaga natin maiwasan ito, at the very least ‘yung tubig nito i-recycle, ipandilig,” Abalos said in a radio interview.

Angat Dam level going down

The water level at the Angat Dam is at 184.78 at 8 a.m., on Wednesday, which is about 0.40 m lower than 185.18 m level on May 7.

This is way below the 212 m normal high water level. 

Courtesy: AFP

Earlier, Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David noted that a lower Angat Dam water level meant a reduction of water allocation in Metro Manila.

“Most likely we will reduce (the allocation) by 1 cms, magiging 49. Sapat pa rin ‘yan, konting tipid lang at wala pa ring interruption in the next weeks to come. The only best solution is to reduce our water consumption. Bawasan unti-unti para ‘yung water level (ng Angat Dam) ay mas mabagal ding bumaba,” he said.

In the same light the DILG issued a memo to governors, mayors and barangay officials with regards to the DENR’s water conservation management measures.

Everybody out by 7 p.m.

Among them includes checking for water leaks and to ensure that government offices have separate water meters.

“By 7 p.m. lahat ng empleyado ay dapat nakaalis na,” Abalos said. 

He said that spot inspections will be conducted to check if government offices are compliant, he said. 

Meanwhile, at the barangay level, households and condos are advised to limit water consumption to 180 liters per day. 

He urged the public to use recycled water to flush toilets.