MANILA, Philippines - Water levels in provincial dams may be low and irrigation canals may have dried up due to the El Nino phenomenon, but the supply of potable water remains sufficient, said Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Chairman Prospero Pichay.

Pichay said very few districts across the country source their water from lakes and rivers.

He explained that most regions get water from underground, the reason why households would not run short of clean drinking water throughout the dry spell.

Pichay however clarified that the same is not true for Metro Manila, and parts of Rizal and Cavite, whose primary source of potable water is Angat Dam.

Water level at Angat is reportedly fast decreasing.

If Angat Dam dries up, LWUA warned the supply of drinking water in the Philippine capital would not be sufficient.

Pichay therefore urged the government to "start looking for another water source in Metro Manila."