Water levels in 6 dams drop

MANILA, Philippines — The water level of Angat Dam and five other dams in Luzon continued to drop despite rains experienced last week in many areas in the country, according to latest data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said as of 6 a.m. yesterday, the water level of Angat Dam in Bulacan decreased to 186.55 meters compared to its previous level of 186.78 meters, which is a decrease of 0.23 meters.

The current water level of Angat Dam is still 3.97 meters higher than its rule curve elevation of 182.58 meters or the level of the dam to be able to fulfill its functions.

In a radio interview, National Water Resources Board (NWRB) executive director Sevillo David Jr. said over one million connections would be affected by rotational water interruptions once the 52 cubic meters per second (cms) water allocation of the two Metro Manila concessionaires ends on June 30.

“Around more than one million connections were affected in April before the NWRB granted the 52 cms. If it is decreased to 50 cms, these areas will be affected again. That is why we decided to continue (the water allocation) to prevent the water interruption in the affected areas,” David said.

David maintained that based on the projection of PAGASA on the impending threat of the El Niño phenomenon, if there will be another extension of the 52 cms water allocation for Maynilad Water Services Inc., the NWRB can no longer accommodate Manila Water.

“Based on our projection, the Angat Dam will not be able to recover before the end of the year, especially during the onslaught of the El Niño so we are preparing for this. We need to manage the releases (of water from Angat). It’s difficult to grant the 52 cms,” he noted.

The current 52 cms water allocation for the two concessionaires will be effective until June 30, 2023 after the NWRB authorized to extend it for another 15 days.

On the other hand, aside from Angat Dam, the water level at Ipo Dam in Bulacan also decreased to 99.05 meters or by 0.09 meters compared to its previous level of 99.14 meters.

The water level at Binga Dam in Benguet also dropped to 571.42 meters or 0.61 meters less from its level of 572.03 meters on Saturday.

There was also a 0.10 meters decrease in the water level of Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija after it dropped to 183.37 meters or 0.10 meters less its previous level of 183.47 meters.

On the other hand, the water level at Magat Dam in Isabela also dropped to 168.10 meters or 0.36 meters less compared to its previous level of 168.46 meters.

PAGASA said the water level of Caliraya Dam in Laguna also decreased to 286.17 meters or 0.03 meters less compared to its previous level of 286.20 meters.

Rains were experienced in many areas in the country last week as Typhoon Chedeng enhanced the southwest monsoon.