Reduced water pressure, rotational service, or water interruptions may be implemented once the water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan dips further to the 160-meter critical mark in a few days, the National Water Resources Board warned yesterday.
As of yesterday morning, the water level of Angat declined to 162.39 meters from last Sunday’s 162.82 meters. This is 17.61 meters below the dam’s minimum operating water level of 180 meters.
According to NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr., although the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration has announced the official onset of rainy season in the country, there is an “insignificant” rainfall over the Angat watershed for the past weeks.
PAGASA said that heavy rainfall is “highly unlikely” this week due to a monsoon break, he cited.
It is estimated that water elevation in the reservoir will breach the low-level mark of 160 meters by this weekend if the prevailing conditions in Angat Dam persist and no sufficient rainfall is received in the Angat watershed.
The 160-meter level is considered critical for domestic water supply.
In this scenario, David said several measures will be undertaken to manage the remaining water, including the operationalization of the Angat Dam low level outlet, the bottom channel capable of releasing water below 160 meters. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)