NWRB to increase water allocation from Angat Dam

MALOLOS, Philippines — Residents of Metro Manila can expect a respite from low water pressure or water rationing at least this month.

The National Water Resources Board will increase its allocation for Metro Manila consumers and irrigation of farms in Bulacan and Pampanga due to the increase in the water level in Angat Dam, according to Sevillo David Jr., NWRB executive director.

David said allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System would be adjusted to 42 cubic meters per second while water for irrigation would be adjusted to  20 cms this month.

Angat Dam supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s water needs. The normal allocation is 46 cms.

For irrigation purposes, the normal allocation is 30 cms.

David said the NWRB board met on Monday and discussed the improving water elevation in Angat Dam.

Monitoring by the Bulacan provincial disaster risk reduction and management office showed that as of 8 a.m. yesterday, the water level in the dam was at 204.39 meters.

David said it is still below its ideal mark of 212 meters, but an increase of 2.79 meters has been recorded since Dec. 31.

The increase was attributed to monsoon rains since Friday.

David said the allocation for Metro Manila consumers as well as irrigation of farms would be adjusted again if the water level in Angat Dam would continue to rise.