According to BusinessWorld, while clean tap water is still available for some, the country is on the cusp of a prolonged drought triggered by an emerging El Niño. Recent rains have not been enough to raise reservoir levels to comfortable levels, leaving the nation in a precarious water situation.
The government is closely monitoring water supply across service areas as reservoir levels remain below targets. Angat Dam, a key water source for Metro Manila, is among those being watched. The emerging El Niño weather pattern threatens to worsen the dry spell, potentially leading to stricter water allocation measures.
Authorities are urging the public to conserve water as the country braces for possible shortages. The situation underscores the vulnerability of the Philippines' water infrastructure to climate variability, with the government exploring both short-term adjustments and long-term solutions to ensure water security.