Techur Rengulbai, Director of the Bureau of Public Works in an interview said that the Ngerikiil Dam water level is no longer at the critical point due to rains these past few days, however it is not enough to reinstate the normal water hours.
“We are getting little rain, but not enough to resume the water hours,” Rengulbai said.
He said Palau needs to experience at least one week of continuous rain to normalize the water situation.
THE government has been shutting off water supply every night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. as a conservation measure to avoid a critical level of water supply due to the dry season.
The Ngerikiil Dam’s water level is now a few inches higher , but the government is taking precaution by making sure it will reach a much higher level before it lifts the water hours imposed since April.
The Ngerikiil Dam located in Airai supplies water in the entire island but because of the dry season. The Public Works again reminded the public about wasting water which could place the water supply into a critical level.
Rengulbai said however that although there has been a big rain in Koror during the weekend, it does not follow that it is also raining in Airai.
Neighboring countries of Palau like the Philippines are experiencing drought-like conditions.
The government has also asked the community to take note of its water consumption to prevent rationing.
Due to the lack of rain and the dry season, the demand for water is most likely to increase during dry season.
