Water levels at Binga, Ambuklao dams safe

BOKOD, Benguet, Philippines – Although the water levels at Benguet’s twin dams – Binga and Ambuklao – have dropped, authorities said they are still safe.

“We are at relatively good levels in both dams,” said SN Aboitiz Power vice president for corporate Services and spokeman Mike Hosillos.

The water level at Ambuklao Dam, according to Hosillos, has reached 740.37 meters above sea level (masl) from its normal elevation of 752 masl and minimum level of 740 masl.

For Binga Dam, the water level is at 570.71 masl from its normal elevation of 575 masl and four meters above its minimum level of 566 masl.

Inflow at Ambuklao contributes to the Binga’s water supply, and continuous rainfall has increased the water levels of both dams beyond the minimum.

Hosillos said the afternoon downpours in Benguet and Baguio City have helped keep water levels in both dams out of the critical elevation.

Last month, the water levels of Ambuklao and Binga went low because of the summer heat.

The Binga Dam can generate 100 megawatts of power.