Monsoon rains add water to Angat Dam reservoir but level still below critical

CITY OF MALOLOS–Monsoon rains slightly raised water level at the Angat Dam reservoir which, however, remained to be past its critical level, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.

After three days of intermittent rain, the reservoir’s water level rose to 159.04 meters above sea level (masl) early on Sunday (June 30).

It was 1.03 meters higher than water level on Saturday (June 29) recorded at 158.01 masl.

The Angat Dam reservoir supplies over 90 percent of Metro Manila’s water needs.

The dam’s critical mark is 160 masl while its minimum operating water level is 180 masl.

Liz Mungcal, head of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, earlier said without the rain the water level at the reservoir could break its record lowest of 157.57 masl recorded on July 13, 2010.

Although not expected to make landfall, Tropical Depression “Egay” will continue to enhance monsoon rains that may further increase the reservoir’s water level, the state weather bureau said. CARMELA REYES ESTROPE (Editor: Tony Bergonia)