Angat Dam, which is the major source of water supply in Metro Manila, has
remained relatively dry even after the onslaught of Typhoon Basyang. The situation has caused a worsening water supply problem in the country’s capital region. Residents continue to experience water rationing in many areas while many are compelled to buy water from unscrupulous suppliers who charge exorbitant rates.
The dam supplies more than 90 per cent of the domestic water supply of Metro Manila, home to more than 12 million people.
Manila Water Company operates and gets its supply from the La Mesa reservoir in Novaliches, Quezon City, which receives water from Angat Dam. Maynilad Water Services Inc. gets its water directly from Angat, which also provides water for irrigation in Bulacan.
Above: Water rationing has caused many residents of Metro Manila to wait for as long as 6 hours for water delivery.
Several fish pens in Laguna de Bay were destroyed by the recent typhoon that ravaged many parts of Metro Manila. It resulted in the death of thousands of fish that floated on the surface of the lake.
Laguna Lake Development Authority chairman Ed Manda said the fishkill is a regular occurrence every rainy season when the oxygen levels of the lake go down due to pollution caused by waste flowing into the water. The pollution is caused by wastewater and garbage thrown into the creeks and rivers that flow into Laguna Lake.
The health department has warned the public against buying contaminated fish from Laguna de Bay even if they cost less. However, residents along the lake were seen hauling in several of the dead fish that floated. They said that they were still edible and that they have been eating the “bangus” (milkfish) every year whenever fish pens are destroyed.
Residents in Muntinlupa are complaining about the stench coming from the fishkill in Laguna de Bay.
They said some of them are getting sick from the foul odour. – ?