MANILA, Philippines — The water level of Angat Dam, which supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s water needs, has increased to 179.06 meters on Sunday, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Although the state weather bureau said the dam’s water level had a slight increase due to rains brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” Pagasa, noted that the mark remained below its minimum operating level of 180 meters.
In its 6 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau revealed that Angat Dam’s water level had risen from 178.48 meters on July 15 to 179.06 meters on July 16.
Pagasa likewise noted that five dams’ water levels increased over the last 24 hours, which are: La Mesa (from 78.77 to 78.99 meters); Binga (from 568.36 to 568.58); San Roque (from 236.64 to 237.76); Pantabangan (from 179.01 to 179.77); and Magat (from 163.56 to 164.08).
Meanwhile, other dams’ water levels slightly dipped: Ipo (from 100.03 to 100.02); Ambuklao (from 741.91 to 741.82); and Caliraya (from 286.28 to 286.22).
However, Pagasa earlier said that despite the continued rains brought by habagat, the water level in Angat Dam may still fall.
To combat its continued decrease, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Water Resources Management Office (DENR-WRMO) issued bulletin No. 1 or its water conservation guidelines for government agencies following Malacañang’s Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 22, which requires WRMO to track other department’s progress in water conservation by analyzing their monthly water bills.
This came after the state weather bureau declared the onset of El Niño on July 4, projecting that Metro Manila and 35 other areas may experience a dry spell in December this year due to the phenomenon.
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