DENR directs barangays to advise residents to reduce water consumption

The newly created Water Resources Management Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) directed barangay officials and property managers to advise residents to reduce activities with high water consumption.

Bulletin 002 released the DENR-WRMO detailed measures to be taken to address the limited water supply while the country experiences the El Ni?o phenomenon.

“While DOST-PAGASA is forecasting more than average rains in the next few months due to Habagat or the Southwest Monsoon, it is wise to be proactive in our actions and prepare for the worst possible dry conditions,” the bulletin read.

Under the bulletin, the agency called on all barangay officials and condominium and subdivision managers to advise residents to conserve water by reducing activities with high water consumption, promoting rainwater collection, and recycling water.

The state weather bureau last week announced the start of El Ni?o, characterized by the abnormal warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and below-normal rainfall.

For its part, Barangay Laging Handa in Quezon City said it would adhere to the bulletin and coordinate with property managers in the area.

“Pakikiusapan natin ‘yung mga condominium associations na medyo mag-filter na lang muna at magdagdag na lang ng chlorine sa mga swimming pool nila kaysa magpalit ng tubig,” Barangay Chairman Jose Maria Rodriguez said in Jonathan Andal’s report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

(We will request condominium associations to temporarily filter and just add chlorine to their pools instead of replacing the water.) — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA Integrated News