DENR asks subdivisions, condos to save water

With the possibility of the El Niño phenomenon lasting longer than anticipated, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued an advisory on Friday urging private villages and condominiums to save as much water as possible.

The DENR said Angat Dam and other water sources of Metro Manila still have enough water supply. But it still asked homeowners to save water, since the intense heat in several parts of the country may last until May or June.

“Villages and condominium property managers are directed to observe water management measures, such as … encouraging [residents] to practice easy-to-do water conservation measures and to purchase home appliances that help save water,” the DENR said in a bulletin on April 3.

It noted that “El Niño is causing lower-than-average rainfall.”

The department advised residents to check for water leaks by looking at their meters early in the morning or late at night.

Water leaks can account for 15 percent to 40 percent of used water every month. The DENR said checking for leaks can help save 500 liters to 1,000 liters of water.

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Pool maintenance

Condominium managers and village administrators were also urged to postpone pool maintenance which would require draining and replacing the water.

“The WRMO (Water Resource Management Office of the DENR) prohibits households to use water [hoses] for car washing, cleaning of driveways and watering of lawns and to instead use a pail and dipper, or ‘tabo,’” the DENR also said.

The department said it will conduct spot checks as well as an information drive in the coming weeks. INQ