MANILA, Philippines — The water level of Angat Dam is expected to reach maximum elevation of 213 to 214 meters as more typhoons are expected to enter the country before the end of the year.
Based on the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, at least six to eight more typhoons will enter the country until December, making it possible for Angat Dam to reach maximum capacity before the summer of 2024, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) division manager Patrick Dizon said in a radio interview recently.
Dizon added that the dam’s water level is expected to reach 200 meters soon as based on the monitoring of the state weather bureau yesterday, it was at 199.15 meters compared to its previous level of 198.14 meters, increasing by 1.01 meters.
Angat Dam supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs and provides for the irrigation needs of 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga.
Dizon defended the decision of MWSS to release water from Ipo Dam in Bulacan, saying it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the water reservoir.
“Starting yesterday, at 3 p.m., we opened the gates of Ipo. At present, we are releasing around 60 cubic meters per second (CMS) of water. On average, we have already released at least 27 CMS. We are doing this as part of operational procedure. If we do not open the gates, the integrity of the dams will diminish,” Dizon said.
He added that the water from Ipo has no effect on residents living near the dam.
“Based on our observation, the water from Ipo has no effect on the Angat River. The reported flooding in Hagonoy, Bulacan was caused by the high tide in Manila Bay,” Dizon said.
He gave assurance that the MWSS is coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in case residents need to evacuate because of possible flooding.
Meanwhile, Bustos Dam in Bulacan has also been releasing water since Aug. 30 due to the monsoon rains brought by Typhoon Goring. — Ric Sapnu