Angat water level lower than expected – NWRB

MANILA, Philippines — Concerned government agencies must be prepared to alleviate a water supply shortage in Metro Manila during the summer months, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said yesterday.

“We are actually expecting Angat water level to be at 212 meters. However, our monitoring showed that (from) Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, the dam’s water level was at 202 meters only. There is a 10-meter difference. This was not the case in previous years,” NWRB executive director Sevillo David said.

As of 6 a.m. yesterday, the water level in Angat Dam was at 196.24 meters.

David said it would be “better if contingency measures are already put in place. What we are avoiding is for the water to reach the 180-meter minimum operating level.”

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and water concessionaires have established around 100 deep wells and water treatment plants in Marikina and Cavite to prepare for the projected shortage, according to David.

He reminded the general public to conserve water, especially during this pandemic when there is a need to frequently wash hands and clean homes and surroundings.

“Hopefully, occasional rains will help increase Angat’s water elevation. At the same time, let us conserve water whenever possible,” David said.

He noted that the allocation of 48 cubic meters per second for Metro Manila will be maintained.