The National Water Resources Board yesterday implemented lower water allocation for irrigation in Central Luzon from Angat Dam to ensure continuous supply for Metro Manila’s domestic water requirements during the dry season.
Starting April 1, water allocation for farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga will be cut down from 40 cubic meters to 35 cms.
NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. however assured that the implementation of lower water allocation for agricultural lands will not impede irrigation activities as it is already harvest season.
Meanwhile, water allocation for Metro Manila’s water supply remains at 48 cms.
NWRB, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is in-charge of the allocation of water supply from the Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan to the National Irrigation Administration for the irrigation of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga, and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System for the water requirements of households in Metro Manila.
Earlier, David said the NWRB prioritizes the requirements for domestic water supply for Metro Manila by providing the maximum allocation from the Angat Dam.
About 96 percent of Metro Manila’s domestic requirements are sourced from Angat Dam.
As of yesterday, the water level at Angat Dam remains normal at 192.76 meters but down from 193.14 meters the other day.
Angat Dam’s normal high water level during the rainy season is 212 meters. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)