RP watersheds checked to avert looming water crisis
Authorities are conducting vulnerability assessment in several priority watersheds in the country to avert imminent water crisis caused by the looming dry spell by year-end.
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), the research arm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and member of Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc., said watershed check is being implemented in 16 regions across the country.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has announced that low amount of rainfall may prevail in Luzon and some parts of Visayas by December 2009 until January 2010, due to the effect of El Niño conditions.
Water is one of the most critical resources in the Philippines.
Despite being frequented by tropical storms, which provide ample supply in dams, domestic need for water seemed insatiable.
ERDB’s assessment aims to provide watershed planners (decision makers) with information as to what hazards, where it may possibly occur in the watersheds and what interventions need to be done.
Addressing the most frequent natural and anthropogenic hazards and including vulnerability assessment make up a big factor in the formulation of an Integrated Watershed Management Plan, the ERDB said.
An National Water Resources Board study said Philippines has a total dependable water supply of 226,430 cubic meter (m3)/day sourced from surface and ground water supply.
With the country’s population approaching 100 million people, the production of more food becomes urgent.
It is projected that annual agricultural water demand will increase by 2.8 times in 2025, from an estimated 25,533 m3/day in 1995 to 72,973 m3/day (in 2025), based on a study by Freshwater published in 2004. (PNA)