The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a water conservation advisory amid the threat of El Niño, according to a Friday report by RH 5 Val Gonzales.

DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, together with the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) and the National Water Resources Board, appealed to residents, businesses, and local government units (LGUs) to conserve water to help maintain potable water supply for hospitals and other essential services.

The department urged the public to take shorter showers, turn off faucets while brushing their teeth, promptly fix leaks, and use grey water when it can be safely reused.

In its initial advisory, the DENR discouraged non-essential water use, such as washing cars, hosing down driveways, and filling private swimming pools, unless necessary for health reasons.

The agency said it will prioritize the delivery of clean water to hospitals, clinics, and underserved communities. It also tasked LGUs to implement schedules for water refilling stations.