GORDON TO MM LGUS: ISSUE ORDINANCE FOR WATER CONSERVATION

With thousands of families in Metro Manila affected by the water interruption implemented by east zone water concessionaire Manila Water due to shortage in their supply, Senator Richard J. Gordon said concerned local government units should issue ordinances directing their constituents to observe water conservation practices.

At the same time, Gordon also called on the public to do their part in preventing the water crisis from worsening. To do this, he said people should be conscious of their water usage and observe water conservation measures.

"We should conserve water. We can take simple actions at home so we don't contribute in worsening the problem. The LGU's should issue ordinances to ensure that all their constituents practice water conservation. We should all do our part," he said.

Gordon said the public should use water efficiently but minimally. His water conservation tips included:

•  Have a carwash only when necessary;

•  Don't water lawns every day; and

•  Don't keep the water running while brushing your teeth, use a glass.

Manila Water, the concessionaire for the east zone, has been implementing water interruptions in several areas to ensure that the water supply can last until June. It covers the cities of Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, and Marikina; the municipality of Pateros; parts of Makati, Manila, and Quezon City; and the towns of Angono, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jalajala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, Tanay, Taytay, Teresa, San Mateo and Antipolo in the province of Rizal.

Gordon assured that the Philippine Red Cross will help provide clean and potable water to the thousands of families affected but hospitals must be prioritized to ensure that healthcare services will not be interrupted and to avoid health complications, such as sepsis, a type of blood infection.

He has deployed eight tankers to six hospitals namely the Rizal Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, East Avenue Medical Center, National Center for Mental Health, and Mandaluyong City Medical Center.