By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The water level at Angat Dam could fall to its critical minimum operating level before the end of June, raising concerns over Metro Manila’s water supply as rainfall remains significantly below forecast, a state hydrologist said Wednesday.
Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) showed that Angat Dam’s water elevation stood at 163.51 meters as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, just a few meters above the critical low threshold of 160 meters.
According to PAGASA hydrologist Jofren Habaluyas, the reservoir has been losing an average of half a meter of water daily due to insufficient rainfall over its watershed.
From June 1 to 22, PAGASA recorded only 127 millimeters of rainfall in the area, less than half of the 280 millimeters originally projected for the period.
“If the current trend continues, the dam’s water level may reach the critical low level of 160 meters within the next few days or before the end of June,” Habaluyas said.
Angat Dam is the primary source of potable water for Metro Manila, supplying approximately 98 percent of the capital region’s daily water requirements through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).
The reservoir’s normal operating level is 210 meters.
With water levels steadily declining, concerns have emerged over the possibility of supply shortages if rainfall does not improve in the coming weeks.
To conserve water for domestic consumption, Habaluyas noted that authorities had already suspended irrigation allocations since the latter part of May.
“There has been zero allocation for irrigation since the last few weeks of May so that available water can be concentrated for household use,” he explained.
Despite the current situation, PAGASA remains optimistic that conditions will improve by mid-July as the southwest monsoon strengthens and more rain-bearing weather systems affect Luzon.
Habaluyas projected that increased rainfall during the second and third weeks of July could gradually replenish the reservoir and raise its water level to approximately 176.33 meters by the end of the month.
The weather bureau said monsoon rains will be crucial in reversing the decline and ensuring a sufficient water supply for millions of residents dependent on Angat Dam.
Authorities continue to monitor the reservoir closely while implementing conservation measures to safeguard Metro Manila’s water needs amid the prolonged dry spell.
ia/xf
