Harold Wilson N.

Alto GE-STS
MM2-B 8/11/19

The water crisis of metro manila 2019

Water is a necessity that every living thing needs in order to survive; yet it is something that
most of us take for granted. Last march of this year, the people of metro manila had a water shortage
crisis wherein many people had to go through the major inconvenience of not doing their everyday tasks
due to the lack of water in their respective area. Even if a couple of months have passed, the effects of
this water shortage can still be felt in some areas today. The main reasons why this water crisis may
have been caused is because of the presence of El Nino and climate change, critically low levels of
water in Angat dam and the proliferation of algae in Laguna Lake.

According to data presented by Maynilad, Most of Metro Manila’s water supply come from
Angat Dam which could hold up to 4 billion liters of water per day, wherein 60% of the supply goes to
Maynilad and the other 40% goes to Manila waters. Due to the presence of El Nino and climate change
in our country, there have been times when the water levels of Angat dam dropped from its minimum
operating water level of 180 meters, and to its critical level of 160 meters. Currently, it is the rainy
season; due to the current rains, it may have helped in supplying the dam faster, however there is still a
need for more in order to replenish the dam better.

Another issue present during this crisis was the proliferation of algae in the Laguna Lake.
According to Maynilad, The growth of algae started last april and may last until the end of summer.
The cause of said algae may be due to the heat brought by El Nino which is also the reason for the water
shortages around the area and metro manila. According to the Muntinlupa City Heath Office, the growth
of algae may not be a health risk, however its growth affects the water supply of Maynilad which is
why there were several interruptions over the past months due to this issue.

In order to combat the issue on water shortage, Maynilad and Manila water made a schedule
which is a rotational water interruption wherein the water supply was allocated to different cities and
barangays at selected times of the day where they have a chance to refill their water to be used for the
day. Another solution utilized by Maynilad was the use of infographics on how to conserve water and
updates on the water level of Angat Dam and the status of Laguna Lake. The water shortage problem
may not be over yet, however thanks to recent rains, it helped improve the status of Angat Dam. As a
resident living in Metro Manila, we need to learn how to conserve water and allocate its usage. Water
is a right for every person; we must not waste it because you never know how much its worth is until
you experience its loss.

References:
N/A( June 24, 2019) City Health Office Explains Algae Bloom in Laguna Lake.
http://newsville.com.ph/city-health-office-explains-algal-bloom-in-laguna-lake/
N/A(April 28, 2019) Angat Dam Dips To Critical Level. https://www.rappler.com/nation/229167-
angat-dam-dips-critical-level-april-28-2019
Sabillo, K. (March 12, 2019) EXPLAINER: Why is There A Shortage In Metro Manila? https://news.abs-
cbn.com/news/03/12/19/explainer-why-is-there-a-water-shortage-in-metro-manila
Harold Wilson N. Alto GE-STS
MM2-B 8/11/19

References:
N/A( June 24, 2019) City Health Office Explains Algae Bloom in Laguna Lake.
http://newsville.com.ph/city-health-office-explains-algal-bloom-in-laguna-lake/
N/A(April 28, 2019) Angat Dam Dips To Critical Level. https://www.rappler.com/nation/229167-
angat-dam-dips-critical-level-april-28-2019
Sabillo, K. (March 12, 2019) EXPLAINER: Why is There A Shortage In Metro Manila? https://news.abs-
cbn.com/news/03/12/19/explainer-why-is-there-a-water-shortage-in-metro-manila