Water security remains a problem for many in the Philippines

Summary

The COP26 summit is urged to address water security amidst climate change's impact on water cycles, causing extreme droughts and floods. In the Philippines, a nation of 7,600 islands, water scarcity is a persistent issue. Despite being surrounded by water, challenges like urbanization and infrastructure hinder access to clean water. The Kaliwa Dam project is proposed as a solution, yet faces opposition due to environmental concerns. The script highlights the struggles of communities like Ashley Adele's, who lack basic sanitation, and the broader efforts to ensure water security.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Delegates at COP26 are urged to discuss water security amidst climate change's impact on the water cycle.
• 💧 Climate change is causing more extreme and frequent droughts and floods, affecting water availability.
• ⛄️ Global warming is altering natural water storage in ice, snow, and lakes.
• 🏝️ The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, faces ongoing water security issues.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ashley Adele's family, living in Manila, lacks direct access to water for drinking and bathing.
• 🚿 Inadequate sanitation facilities lead to unhealthy living conditions, such as urinating on the floor.
• 🚰 Eastern Metro Manila experienced a water crisis in 2019 with up to 20-hour water supply cuts.
• 🏢 Rapid urbanization and commercial/industrial demand have outpaced water supply.
• 🌾 The Kaliwa Dam is proposed as a solution to Metro Manila's water supply issues.
• 🌲 The Kaliwa watershed is a protected area, and the dam's construction is opposed due to environmental concerns.
• 🏞️ Tribal communities near the watershed rely on small reservoirs for drinking and sanitation water.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion at the COP26 summit concerning water?

The delegates at the COP26 summit are urged to include water security in their discussions, as climate change is making the water cycle more volatile with droughts and floods becoming more extreme and frequent.

How is global warming affecting the natural storage of water?

Global warming is affecting the natural storage of water by altering the amount of water that is stored in ice, snow, and lakes, as these bodies are sensitive to temperature changes.

What is the current water security situation in the Philippines?

Water security remains a problem for many in the Philippines, with some communities lacking direct access to water for drinking and bathing.

What challenges does Ashley Adele face in terms of water access?

Ashley Adele and her family face challenges such as having no direct access to water at home for drinking and bathing, and they resort to urinating on the floor and disposing of toilet waste in plastic bags.

What happened during the water crisis in Eastern Metro Manila in 2019?

In 2019, Eastern Metro Manila suffered a water crisis where piped water supply was cut for up to 20 hours a day, affecting even middle to higher-income households due to rapid urbanization and demand outpacing supply.

Why was the water crisis in Eastern Metro Manila particularly ironic?

The water crisis was ironic because, despite the Philippines being an archipelago surrounded by water, access to water for human consumption was severely limited.

What is the proposed solution to Metro Manila's water supply issues?

The government has proposed the construction of the Kaliwa Dam as a solution to address the water supply issues in Metro Manila.

Why are some people opposed to the construction of the Kaliwa Dam?

Some people are opposed to the Kaliwa Dam because it would be built on a protected watershed, which is crucial for catching rain to prevent floods and overflow of water systems downstream.

How does the tribal community of Conchita Domaga Trementados manage their water needs?

The tribal community relies on a small reservoir they built for their water needs, which provides water for both drinking and sanitation.

What are the major obstacles to providing potable water in the Philippines?

The major obstacles to providing potable water in the Philippines include cost, distance, and the long-term quality of pipes across the country's numerous islands.

Where can more information be found about the water problems and solutions in the Philippines?

More information about the water problems and solutions in the Philippines can be found on CNA correspondents and on the CNA website at cna.asia.