Water in Angat enough amid extended quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — There is enough water supply in Angat Dam as the enhanced community quarantine was extended until April 30, according to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

The water level in Angat Dam, the main source of potable water of Metro Manila residents, remains at 194.49 meters or more than 14 meters above the minimum operating level of 180 meters.

The current level is also higher than during the water supply crisis last year, which was recorded at 189.58 meters.

“We have enough supply until the onset of the rainy season this May or June as projected by PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration),” NWRB executive director Sevillo David said in a text message.

“We are maintaining the release of 46 cms/s (cubic meters per second) since March 12 considering the importance of water as a preventative measure against COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019),” David said.

He said the water level in La Mesa Dam at 77.15 meters is also higher compared to last year’s 68.49 meters.

However, David appealed to the public to ”use water responsibly, conserve and not waste it.”

“We are still drawing our supply from Angat Dam. Supply is okay based on our projection,” Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System administrator Emmanuel Salamat said.