By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The water level at Angat Dam, the primary source of potable water for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, has dropped below its critical level, raising concerns over the country’s water supply as the effects of El Niño continue to be felt.
PAGASA Hydrometeorology Division hydrologist Paulo Pamentuan said the dam’s water elevation stood at 159.95 meters as of 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, slipping below the 160-meter critical low level for the first time.
“Yesterday, the water level was still above 160 meters, but it declined significantly over the last 24 hours. As of this morning, it has already fallen below the critical low level,” Pamentuan said in a radio interview.
Angat Dam serves multiple critical functions beyond supplying drinking water. It provides raw water to Maynilad Water Services and Manila Water for households across Metro Manila, parts of Rizal, Cavite, and nearby areas. It also irrigates thousands of hectares of farmland in Bulacan, generates hydroelectric power, and helps mitigate flooding during the rainy season by storing excess water.
Pamentuan explained that if water levels continue to decline, the government will prioritize domestic water consumption over other uses.
“The first sectors to experience reduced water allocation are irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. These allocations may eventually be reduced to zero before any cutback is made to domestic water supply,” he said.
He added that the government had already begun reducing water releases for irrigation and power generation months ago as part of contingency measures in anticipation of El Niño.
The hydrologist noted that the Angat-Ipo Water Advisory Council, an inter-agency body overseeing the management of the dam, has been implementing mitigation measures based on forecasts indicating the onset of El Niño.
Despite those preparations, Pamentuan acknowledged that if the current downward trend continues, even domestic water allocation may eventually be affected.
“We have an action plan in place because El Niño was already forecast. We are now experiencing its effects, which is why water allocation for irrigation and hydroelectric power has already been reduced over the past few months. If the situation persists, domestic water supply could also be impacted,” he warned.
Authorities have yet to announce any water rationing measures but are closely monitoring the dam’s condition as they urge the public to conserve water while reservoir levels remain under pressure.
ia/xf
