Insufficient water supply could threaten efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said, as Metro Manila braces for possible water interruption during the summer season.
“We cannot compromise the health of the people. Water is fundamental in ensuring hygiene and sanitation, infection control, and prevention measures that is why we cannot afford water shortage at this critical time,” Gatchalian said.
The senator urged water concessionaires to ensure uninterrupted water supply in households, hospitals and medical facilities where confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated.
The World Health Organization has said the most effective way to protect oneself against the coronavirus is by frequently cleaning the hands and washing them with soap and water.
By doing this, one can eliminate the virus that may be on one’s hands and avoid infection that could occur by touching the eyes, mouth, and nose.
Water shortage can compound the risk for Filipinos, especially those with compromised immune systems.
The National Water Resources Board had earlier announced that service interruptions will be implemented in some areas in Metro Manila in the coming weeks.
Angat Dam supplies 96 percent of Metro Manila’s water requirement.
As of March 13, the water elevation of Angat dam was 200.41 meters, 11.59 meters below the dam’s normal high water level of 212 meters.
The NWRB has allowed the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to use its existing deepwells to augment water supply for the two concessionaires, Manila Water and Maynilad.