LWUA eyes water supply restrictions as Super El Niño looms

MANILA, Philippines – In preparation for the effects of the Super El Niño in late December until the first quarter of 2027, restrictions on non-essential water use are being considered by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

During the Senate budget hearing for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga said it is reviewing the possibility of limiting the water supply of businesses as part of its conservation efforts.

“Mayroon kaming iminumungkahing medyo isara muna or bawasan ng allocation ng tubig or close muna yung valves, especially for businesses na medyo malakas gumamit ng tubig,” Salonga told the Senate finance subcommittee.

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(We have a suggestion to close the valves a little or reduce the allocation of water, especially for businesses that use a lot of water.)

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READ: Two phases, one crisis: Floods and drought under super El Niño

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, vice chair of the Finance panel, asked ifLWUA has regulations for golf courses, and water parks, among others.

“Ano po yung plano para sa irrigation at pagdidilig ng mga golf courses, pagpuno ng swimming pools sa mga water parks, pagpapatakbo ng mga fountains sa mga resorts? Hihigpitan ba yan? Pwede ba silang obligahin at least temporarily until, ma-survive natin ang Super El Nino?” Hontiveros inquired.

(What is the plan for irrigation and watering golf courses, filling swimming pools in water parks, operating fountains in resorts? Will that be restricted? Can they be made mandatory at least temporarily until we survive the Super El Nino?)

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“Kasama na po yung sa Memorandum Circulars namin at tinitingnan na pwedeng bawasan or temporarily close yung mga businesses na yon,” Salonga replied.

(It is included in our Memorandum Circulars and we are looking into whether those businesses can be reduced or temporarily closed.)

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He also said that such businesses may be obligated to close their valves, similar to the restrictions for government facilities at times. 

READ: El Niño affects over 451,000 people in PH – NDRRMC

According to DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has likewise proposed that government offices “to observe strict conservation measures regarding non-revenue water.”

“So government will set the good example first and then oobligahin yung parts of the private sector to also limit or reduce parts of their own operations,” Hontiveros noted.

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(So the government will set the good example first and then oblige parts of the private sector to also limit or reduce parts of their own operations). /gsg