Angat water rising closer to normal high level

MALOLOS, Philippines — Heavy rains in the past few days have raised the elevation of Angat Dam in Bulacan closer to the reservoir’s normal high water level.

As of 6 a.m. yesterday, the elevation in Angat was at 208.14 meters, or just 3.86 below the dam’s normal high water level of 212 meters during rainy season, according to the Bulacan disaster management office.

Meanwhile, Maria Teresa Serra, manager of the flood forecasting and warning system division of the National Power Corp., said that Napocor aims to maintain Angat’s elevation within 210 meters, primarily through turbine generation instead of spillway releases.

“This will allow us to conserve water for beneficial use, considering the coming El Niño phenomenon,” Serra said.

She said that dam operators may consider discharging excess water if there is a significant weather disturbance, and if forecast rainfall and inflows warrant additional reservoir space.

Serra said that Napocor is aiming to reach the 212-meter mark by the end of December, depending on actual and forecast weather and reservoir conditions.

The 212-meter mark is the normal high water level of Angat during non-flood season.