Angat Dam operators asked to delay release of excess water

MANILA, Philippines —  The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has asked the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Angat technical working group to allow the elevation in Angat Dam in Bulacan to reach 215 meters before releasing excess water.

The MWSS made the appeal after the dam exceeded its normal high water level of 212 meters.

MWSS department manager Patrick Dizon said the 215-meter elevation ensures adequate water supply for Metro Manila households and nearby areas during summer.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, the water level in Angat had increased to 213.34 meters, or up by 37 centimeters from the previous day’s 212.97 meters.

Angat is now 1.34 meters above its normal high water level of 212 meters. The elevation has been increasing since Dec. 6 due to rains spawned by the shear line and the northeast monsoon.

Aside from the MWSS and NWRB, the Angat technical working group is composed of the National Irrigation Administration and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Angat Dam supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs.