New water crisis looms as Angat Dam level recedes

MANILA, Philippines — Another potential water crisis looms for residents in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, as the water level in Angat Dam continues to recede, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Sunday (See related story on Page A10).

As of Saturday morning, the dam’s elevation was recorded at 185.64 meters, down by 0.23 meters from the previous day.

While it remains above the 180-millimeter minimum operating level, consumers need to be more conscious of their water usage amid the possibility of supply interruptions, said Pagasa hydrologist Sonia Serrano.

Based on Pagasa’s forecast, rainfall in November is expected to be “near normal,” while it is seen to be “below normal” in December, Serrano said.

This means that there would be most likely less rainfall toward the yearend, which may not be enough to increase the water level in Angat.

Metro Manila and adjacent provinces plunged into a water crisis earlier this year, after levels in Angat and La Mesa dams dipped to historic lows.