NWRB retains MWSS’ Angat water allocation

MANILA, Philippines — The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has retained the allocation of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) from Angat Dam amid a surge in new COVID-19 cases.

In a text message, NWRB executive director Sevillo David Jr. confirmed that there would be no change in the MWSS allocation of 48 cubic meters per second.

He said the decision was made “considering that water is an important mitigating measure to minimize the spread of COVID-19.”

Last week, Sevillo said the NWRB was considering lowering the allocation of the MWSS to 46 cms as the water level in Angat continues to drop.

As of midnight of Dec. 31, Angat’s water level was at 202.80 meters or 9.20 meters below its normal high of 212 meters.

Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration showed that as of 6 a.m. yesterday, the water level in the dam fell to 200.59 meters.

Citing forecasts that Angat will receive 96 millimeters of rain this month, the MWSS said the water level in Angat Dam is not expected to significantly increase.

“Simulations also support that the 180-meter critical level will be breached before the rainy season if voluntary conservation efforts are not undertaken. Following the Angat water protocol, at 180 meters, the priority allocation of raw water is for domestic use,”the MWSS said.