Experts urge Filipinos to halve water use amid El Niño concerns

MANILA — University of the Philippines Resilience Institute executive director Mahar Lagmay and other government officials are urging Filipinos to implement aggressive water-saving practices as El Niño poses mounting risks to the nation's water security.

The conservation drive focuses on reducing daily household water consumption, particularly in activities that typically consume large volumes. Lagmay and other environmental experts recommend cutting the volume of water used for bathing and brushing teeth by at least half compared to normal usage patterns.

Beyond individual consumption reduction, officials are encouraging households to explore alternative water sources to ease pressure on municipal supplies. Rainwater harvesting and collection systems for non-potable household tasks offer practical solutions that residents can implement with minimal investment.

The advisory comes as climate scientists warn that El Niño conditions could strain water availability across Metro Manila and other densely populated regions. Government agencies are mobilizing multiple strategies to address potential shortages, including public education campaigns on water conservation and infrastructure improvements to capture and store additional water supplies.

Experts emphasize that widespread adoption of these conservation measures can significantly mitigate the impact of El Niño on water availability, particularly during the dry season when demand typically peaks.