Angat Dam’s water level continues to decline

MANILA, Philippines — The water level in Angat Dam dipped further to 208.92 meters yesterday due to the El Niño phenomenon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 6 a.m. yesterday, the reservoir’s water level was down by 0.18 from its previous level of 209.10 meters.

The PAGASA hydrometeorology division said that Angat’s current water level is 3.08 meters below its normal high water level of 212 meters.

Angat supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs as well as irrigates 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga.

Patrick Dizon, division manager at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, gave assurance that the dam could still supply the water needs of Metro Manila households before it would reach its minimum operating level of 180 meters by May.

The 50-cubic-meter water allocation for Maynilad Water Services and Manila Water will be maintained until the reservoir reaches its minimum operating level, Dizon said.