The National Emergency Committee (NEC) urged the public to conserve water and detect and repair water leaks among pipes in government properties, business establishments and residences after it declared Palau under Water Shortage Alert starting March 20.
NEC reported that the supply of water coming from the water reservoirs in Ngerimel and Ngerikiil, Airai had drastically dropped down in recent weeks due to lack of rainfall and high consumption of water. Ngerimel Dam’s usual water level is at 23 ft. but it has now dropped to 13 feet. With this, NEC placed the country under Stage 1 of the NEC Drought Action Plan.
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The report cited that historical data from the Palau National Weather Service Office indicated that February, March, and April are normally dry season in Palau with only minimal rainfall.
Rains to be brought by the months of April to May, based on the rainfall forecast for Palau during these months, may not suffice to maintain adequate water levels for Palau’s two main water reservoirs including the main water sources in all other States.
The Office of the President, during the press conference this week, has assured people that Palau is not under El Nino and that rain is expected to return in May. However, people are urged to follow NEC water notices to prevent nationwide water shortage.
The Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) will continue to monitor water levels and inform the NEC and the general public accordingly. (Rhealyn C. Pojas with reports from Leilani Reklai) [/restrict]