Angat elevation down by almost 2 meters in 1 week

MANILA, Philippines — The water level in Angat Dam in Bulacan has dropped by almost two meters in just one week amid increased consumption due to extreme heat.

Despite the low water level, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) gave assurance that supply is adequate.

Data showed the water level dropped by an average of 27 centimeters daily from April 17 to 23, with 33 and 30 cms being the highest on April 21 and 22, respectively.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, Angat’s water level was at 205.3 meters, or down by 25 cms from 205.55 meters previously.

The elevation is 6.70 meters below Angat’s normal high water level of 212 meters.

MWSS department manager Patrick Dizon said the large drop in Angat’s elevation is normal during the dry season as consumption increases due to extreme heat.

Dizon said the MWSS is expecting the drop in Angat’s water level to persist until the second half of the year.

He said the National Water Resources Board has assured Metro Manila of a full water allocation.

If water interruptions occur, these will be due to maintenance activities to be carried out by water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water.

Angat Dam supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs and provides for the irrigation needs of 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga.