Angat Dam still below normal level

MANILA, Philippines –  Despite rains in various parts of the country, the water level of Angat Dam in Bulacan remains below normal level and may affect the water supply in Metro Manila when the dry season comes, a top official of the Manila Water said yesterday.

Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water spokesman told reporters during the Broadcasters Forum in Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City that they are now coordinating with the National Power Corp., (Napocor), the National Water Resources Board and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to draw up plans to avert possible water shortage in the metropolis.

“The water level in Angat, a water source for Metro Manila remains three meters below the normal level,” he said.

Among the possible measures that can be adop­ted is the setting of large water catch basins to store up the rain water for possible use during the dry season.

Sevilla, however, assured that despite the abnormal condition of the Angat Dam water supply, the Manila Water areas will have uninterrupted water supply.

He said at the height of the water shortage last year, 99 percent of the their clients had no water interruption except in areas where major repairs were undertaken.

During the same forum, Sevilla also announced a slight adjustment in the monthly water bills of the residents in their areas of operation which will take effect on Feb 16.