Angat Dam water breaches lowest recorded level

MALOLOS, Bulacan, Philippines — The water level in Angat Dam has dipped to below 157.56 meters, the lowest elevation recorded on July 18, 2010.

As of 2 p.m. yesterday, the dam’s elevation was 157.52 meters or four centimeters below the 2010 water level, according to the Bulacan disaster risk reduction and management office.

In 2010 and 2019, Angat breached its critical level of 160 meters, resulting in rotational water service interruptions in Metro Manila and disruption of irrigation supply for palay farms in Bulacan and parts of Pampanga.

The National Water Resources Board earlier said that it was coordinating with local government units and key national agencies to strengthen water security strategies.

Book on water management out

Meanwhile, a book that provides an overview on innovative solutions, research outputs and programs focused on effective water management has been released by the Department of Science and Technology.

In a message to The STAR, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the book, titled “Wave of Action: DOST Water Projects & Technologies,” is divided into several sections covering filtration and irrigation technologies including maximum use of water.

Solidum said that water issues are complex, ever-evolving, and demand urgent and collective actions.

“We must adopt a whole-of-society approach that ensures every community has access to clean, sufficient and sustainable water supply for generations to come,” Solidum said.