MWSS wants Laguna Lake declared as ‘vital source of water’

Last September, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expressed support for the government’s plan of sourcing additional water supply from the Laguna Lake to address Metro Manila’s water woes. (File Photo: Laguna Lake Development Authority (Official)/Facebook)

MANILA — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) wants the Laguna Lake to be declared as “a vital source of water” in wake of the looming water crisis in Metro Manila.

MWSS Administrator Emmanuel Salamat made this suggestion during the 43rd Cabinet meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday emphasizing the need for Laguna Lake to be protected and secured, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Last September, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expressed support for the government’s plan of sourcing additional water supply from the Laguna Lake to address Metro Manila’s water woes.

Meanwhile, Salamat also requested the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to issue department orders to local government chief executives to expedite necessary permits to meet timelines of the projects of the MWSS.

He suggested the need to secure assistance from other agencies to create a comprehensive water security plan.

Salamat also proposed the creation of an inter-agency task force on water supply and sewerage.

Maynilad and Manila Water announced rotational water service interruptions due to the continued decline of water levels in the Angat and Ipo dams.

The two water concessionaires also warned that the water rationing may last until next year.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier warned of taking over operations of water concessionaires using “extraordinary powers of the presidency” should the looming water crisis gets declared as a national emergency.

The President said he also wanted to fast-track the construction of the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam project to prevent another water crisis in Metro Manila.

The China-funded Kaliwa Dam project in Quezon province is expected to provide an additional 600 million liters a day (MLD) of water to Metro Manila and environs.