EcoWaste Coalition Pitches for Water Conservation as Water Level in La Mesa Dam Continues to Drop



As the water level in La Mesa Dam plunged to its lowest level in 12 years amid the EL Niño phenomenon, an environmental watch group wasted no time in urging water consumers to conserve water all the more.

The EcoWaste Coalition sought the cooperation of Metro Manila’s households, estimated at 3.10 million, to take water conservation more seriously in the wake of the El Niño in the Pacific region.

The group also urged private and public establishments to intensify water conservation measures in light of the decreased fresh water supply as the dry spell marches on.

“We join our water authorities in asking households, businesses and government institutions in Metro Manila to use water more wisely amid the declining water level in Angat, Ipo and La Mesa Dams,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“Let us all aim for zero water waste to reduce the impacts of low water supply during the summer months to the people, especially the poor, and the environment,” she said.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) had earlier appealed to the public to save water as water in the La Mesa reservoir dropped from its normal high water level of 80.15 meters to 69.47 meters, the lowest in 12 years.

To encourage all sectors to cut on water use and wastage, the EcoWaste  Coalition has released the following  water conservation tips:

1.  Fix dripping tanks, pipes, faucets, showerheads and hoses to prevent water loss.

2.  Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, lathering with soap or shaving.

3. Take shorter showers with a pail and dipper and use just enough water.

4.  Reuse towels a few times before putting them on the laundry basket.


5.  Collect grey water from bathing and washing and reuse it to wash the car, clean the garage, maintain sidewalks or flush the toilet.

6.  Place a brick or water-filled bottle inside the toilet tank to reduce water used in every flush and flush less.

7. Collect water dripping from air conditioners and use the collected water for washing mops and rugs, flushing the toilet or watering the plants.

8.  Leave grass clippings on the lawn as this cools the ground and holds in moisture.

9. Spread a layer of mulch around plants and trees to retain water and reduce evaporation.

10. Water the plants early in the morning or in the evening when temperature is cooler to minimize water loss.
11.  Refrain from using the washing machine if only washing a few clothes, do full loads of laundry, and use just the right amount of detergent to avoid extra rinsing.

12. Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin and not in running water; reuse the water for watering the plants.

13. Save the rice wash for washing the dishes or watering plants.

14. Steam vegetables instead of boiling to conserve water as well as preserve their nutrients.

15. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight, not on running water.

16. Use fewer cooking and dining utensils and dishes to reduce water use for washing.

17.  Choose the proper pan and pot size for cooking as bigger ones may need more cooking water than required.

18. Do not let the water run when washing the dishes, fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

19.  Soak dirty pans and pots first instead of scraping them in running water.

20.  Collect and store rainwater for daily chores.

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Reference:

Number of households in Metro Manila:

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