Conserve water despite higher dam levels — Maynilad

MANILA, Philippines — Maynilad Water Services Inc. yesterday asked the public to continue conserving water despite the increase in the elevation of Angat Dam amid the rains brought by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, the water level of Angat Dam reached 187.10 meters or 0.86 meters higher compared to its previous level of 186.24 meters.

It was 7.10 meters above its minimum operating level of 180 meters, but still 22.90 below its normal high level of 210 meters.

Maynilad noted that the water elevation of Angat increased by 10.17 meters in a span of one week. Prior to this, the level of the reservoir was 176.93 meters.

The water level of Ipo Dam in Bulacan reached 101.06 meters compared to its previous level of 99.85 meters a week ago.

“This is slightly higher compared to its maintaining level of 99.50 to 100.50 meters,” Maynilad said.

“Despite the improved water levels of Angat and Ipo, whatever is the prevailing weather in the country, we continue to encourage everyone to use water wisely to further prolong our supply,” the concessionaire added.

Angat Dam supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs. The reservoir also provides irrigation for 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga.

The La Mesa Dam in Quezon City has reached 79.81 meters or 0.10 meters higher compared to its previous level of 79.71 meters.

The elevation of all nine dams in Luzon has increased due to the monsoon rains enhanced by the typhoon, according to the state weather bureau.