NWRB urges water conservation as ‘very strong’ El Niño intensifies

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 02, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The National Water Resources Board is urging Filipinos to conserve water as the country prepares for the effects of an intensifying El Niño that state weather bureau PAGASA says could become very strong through the final months of 2026.

PAGASA said a strong El Niño is already active in the tropical Pacific and is expected to intensify between September and December before persisting through the first half of 2027. The weather bureau warned that the phenomenon increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in parts of the country. 

NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said households can help stretch existing water supplies by reducing unnecessary use, recycling water where possible and avoiding wastage.

The agency has also advised water concessionaires to manage pipelines closely and minimize leaks as part of contingency measures.

To conserve Angat Dam supplies, the NWRB reduced the water allocation for Metro Manila to 44 cubic meters per second in October, from the usual 50 to 53 cms. Irrigation allocation was likewise cut to 20 cms, from the regular 30 to 35 cms. 

Angat Dam remains Metro Manila’s main water source, making rainfall levels particularly important as El Niño strengthens.

Despite the precautionary measures, PAGASA hydrologists said major dams remain generally within normal levels, although reduced rainfall could gradually lower water levels in some reservoirs in the coming months.

PAGASA’s latest outlook shows below-normal rainfall becoming more likely in several areas as El Niño strengthens, while warmer-than-usual conditions are also expected across parts of the country. 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, said it has already provided assistance to communities affected by dry conditions.

As of October 1, the DSWD had distributed 43,504 family food packs and 3,660 water containers, along with other food and non-food items. The agency said it has provided more than P714 million in humanitarian assistance to El Niño-affected communities. 

The DSWD also reported P1.44 billion in nationwide standby funds and more than 3.86 million prepositioned family food packs available for further response operations.

Malacañang has urged the public to prepare but avoid panic buying or excessive stockpiling of bottled water, saying there is currently no reported shortage of drinking water.