Angat Dam water level dips further below critical mark

This file photo shows a view of Angat Dam, the source of irrigation that helps grow Bulacan and Pampanga food and provides drinking water to most of Metro Manila residents. CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON

MANILA, Philippines — The water level in Angat Dam continued to drop as it remained below its 160-meter critical mark on Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Angat Dam’s water level was at 159.09 meters as of 6 a.m. – lower than the 159.43 meters recorded Sunday morning, according to the state weather bureau.

Pagasa further said water level also dipped in other dams in the country, namely, San Roque Dam (-0.41 meters), Pantabangan Dam (-0.18 meters), and Magat Dam (-0.18 meters).

However, the water level in Ipo Dam, La Mesa Dam, Ambuklao Dam, Binga Dam, and Caliraya Dam slightly increased from Sunday morning, Pagasa noted.

The continuing decline in Angat Dam’s water level has resulted in water interruptions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces as the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) reduced the water it allots to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), which then allocate supply to Manila Water and Maynilad.

READ: Angat water for Metro Manila cut further; reduction till June 30

Manila Water has released an updated schedule of rotational service interruptions to its Metro Manila-East Zone concession and Rizal province customers.

Patrick James Dizon, division manager of MWSS, said the drop in Angat Dam’s water level was due to lack of rainfall brought by the prevailing weak El Niño in the country. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)