'Share your bath', Filipinos told

The Philippine government is calling on its citizens to start sharing a bath with their partners.

The plea, which may prompt sniggers in some quarters, is not part of a drive to promote intimacy between couples.

Instead, it is a serious suggestion from the Department of the Environment to combat water shortage.

"Start sharing baths with your partner to conserve water," a statement by the department said.

The government is particularly concerned about the capital, Manila, home to 12 million residents.

A lack of seasonal rains has meant a fall in water levels in reservoirs servicing the city.

"We are sounding the alarm early to avoid a water shortage. We are worried that the situation will worsen during the summer months," said Environment Secretary Elisea Gozun.