The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ordered all golf courses in Metro Manila on Tuesday to observe proper water conservation measures amid the prevailing extremely hot weather and drought conditions.
The DENR through its Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) advised these public and private recreational facilities to save water “in irrigating fairways and greens, as well as in clubhouse operations.”
It was addressed to the general managers of the following golf courses: Camp Aguinaldo and Veterans in Quezon City; Army-Kagitingan in Makati City; Villamor Air Base in Pasay City; Club Intramuros in Manila; Philippine Navy Golf in Parañaque City; and Alabang Golf in Muntinlupa.
Also covered in the bulletin are the Valley, Sun Valley, and Foresthills golf clubs in Antipolo City, as well as Eastridge Golf in Binangonan, Rizal.
“During hours of non-operation, check the main water meter if it is still turning to detect any possible leaks in the system. If there are internal leaks, it is advised that the main valve be closed from 8PM to 4AM,” part of the WRMO bulletin read.
“For irrigating greens and fairways, golf courses are strongly encouraged to only utilize recycled water, reduce groundwater withdrawal and cease, as much as possible, the use of piped water coming from your water service provider,” it added.
The bulletin was issued to address potential shortages as water in the Angat Dam is just above its minimum operating level of 180 meters, according to DENR-WRMO.
“The rate of its decrease is quite fast due to the extreme dry conditions and huge consumption of water for both domestic and irrigation use,” it noted.