The National Water Resources Board is suspending the allocation of water for the irrigation requirements of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga from Angat Dam starting May 16 to conserve water and reduce the consistent decline in the Angat reservoir.
The allocation for irrigation is currently at 10 cubic meters per second or 864 million liters per day from 35 cms or 3,000 MLD last April.
NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. assured that crops will not be affected significantly as cropping season is already near their harvesting period.
Meanwhile, water allocation for the domestic water needs in Metro Manila is still the same at 48 cms or 4,000 MLD.
David allayed public fears that the continuous decline of Angat Dam’s water level could lead to significant water shortage in Metro Manila.
Citing the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s near normal rainfall projection between May and July, David said “we think that there is sufficient water for Metro Manila until the onset of the rainy season.”
Based on latest inflow and outflow data using projected PAGASA rainfall in the Angat watershed, elevation by May 15 is at 174.48 meters and 172.80 meters by end of May upon suspension of water releases for irrigation, he explained.
As of 6 a.m. yesterday, water elevation at Angat Dam was 177.03 meters, which is around three meters below the minimum operating level of 180 meters.
“We are closely monitoring the situation for any significant developments,” David added. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)
