While assuring Metro Manilans of sufficient water supply from Bulacan’s Angat Dam and other reservoirs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday advised property managers of villages and condominiums in the metropolis to adopt water conservation measures to ensure a steady supply amid the onslaught of the El Niño phenomenon.
Along with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and National Water Resources Board, the DENR’s Water Resources Management Office issued a bulletin directing condo and subdivision administrators to observe water management measures.
These included informing homeowners of DENR bulletins and to enjoin them to practice water conservation measures and buying appliances that help save water.
The DENR advised its personnel to conduct spot checks and information drives in the coming weeks, and requests for assistance in their work.
It warned that the El Niño brings about lower-than-average rainfall which would likely persist through April and May before normal conditions begin to set in by June.
The DENR also instructed the property managers to regularly check watermeters and pipe leaks, as well as to minimize watering of plants and lawns, postpone swimming pool maintenance work, to discourage the use of hose for car washing and cleaning of driveways.
The DENR said leaks can account for 15 to 40 percent of water wasted every month. During late at night or early in the morning,
It also issued some reminders on the prudent use of water.
Save 500 to 1,000 liters every month in dishwashing. Wash dishes right away to easily remove food waste. Otherwise, soak plates prior to washing.
Save five to ten liters of water in washing clothes. When possible, run the washing machine at full load, and use the proper amount of detergent to use less water when rinsing.
Save up to 568 liters of water per month when taking a bath. Shorten shower time by a minute or two.
Save six liters of water when toilet paper is not flushed. Dispose of toilet paper in the trash and do not flush in the toilet bowl.
Take out frozen food in advance to avoid using running water to thaw.
Water plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation.
Here are some water-saving hacks from the DENR:
Place a 250-ml bottled water in the water tank of your toilet and leave as long as flushing capacity is not reduced. Savings: 0.25 liters per flush
Use a sink basin to wash fruits and vegetables instead of using running water. Savings: 20 to 50 liters per month
Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank water.If it seeps in the toilet bowl, there is a leak. Savings when fixed: 3,785 liters per month.
· Use inexpensive faucet aerators to decrease water volume in every use.
· Use a thermos to keep hot water instead of boiling a kettle-full for a cup of hot water
· Toilets with dual flush features. The low flush feature (smaller button) saves three liters per flush
· Shower head with adjustable settings and garden hose with an adjustable nozzle
· Energy star-certified washing machines can save up to 26,498 liters per year
For any detected leaks, illegal use of fire hydrants and/or illegal connections in the compound that may need immediate attention, contact the DENR-WRMO at wrmo@denr.gov.ph or MWSS at 0967-3197144 or 0943-4648776. For leaks along streets and before the meter, report to Manila Water or Maynilad.
