Angat Dam in Bulacan (File photo courtesy of NORZAGARAY MDRRMO)
MANILA, Philippines — The water level of Angat Dam has dipped to 178.8 meters, below its minimum operating level of 180 meters, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Sunday.
According to its latest bulletin, Pagasa said it recorded the development in the dam at around 6 a.m.
The water reservoir supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s water needs.
READ: DILG instructs all LGUs to conserve water amid effects of El Niño
Earlier, the state weather bureau attributed the dam’s continued decrease to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon and the dry season despite the recent rains.
Hydrologist Elmer Caringal of the hydrometeorology division Pagasa told INQUIRER.net last May 20 that the dam’s water level will continue to drop since all the rainwater will be absorbed by the trees and mountains thirsty from the extreme heat.
Caringal added Angat Dam’s water level is expected to recover and increase by the end of July or the first week of August.
In line with this, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2024-065, instructing local chief executives and barangay captains to regularly “monitor water meters and immediately report leaks to water service providers.”
Under the circular, local government units are also ordered to hold “information, education and communication campaigns on water conservation measures” to raise public awareness.
Besides Angat Dam, the water level of three dams — Ambuklao (from 743.3 to 743.3 meters), San Roque (from 226.2 to 225.8 meters), and Magat (from 177.3 to 177.1 meters) likewise decreased.
Meanwhile, the water level of the following dams increased over the last 24 hours:
Ipo (from 99.6 to 99.8 meters)
La Mesa (from 75 to 75.1 meters)
Binga (from 566.2 to 566.9 meters)
Pantabangan (from 174.4 to 174.5 meters)
Caliraya (from 286 to 286.2 meters)