The current water level of Angat Dam is less likely to fall below its 180-meter minimum operating level due to the full allocation of raw water for domestic purposes, as well as the scheduled releases for irrigation by June, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) assured.
Under the water regulator’s protocol in the release of water from Angat Dam, water releases for irrigation needs in Bulacan and Pampanga will be temporarily halted or reduced once the dam’s level falls below its 180-meter minimum operating level.
The NWRB said the Angat Dam’s current water level is more than eight meters higher than the level of the reservoir during the same period last year.
Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) monitoring, the level of Angat Dam is at 191.40 meters on Saturday, slightly down from 191.63 meters last Friday.
With PAGASA’s rainfall projection indicating near normal rainfall condition until September, the NWRB said the water level in Angat dam is projected not to reach below the minimum operating level of 180 meters despite the full allocation to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) releases for the irrigation during the wet cropping season come June.
NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. earlier confirmed the approval of the full allocation of 46 cubic meters per second to the MWSS to ensure that water supply is available in performing preventive measures against the coronavirus, such as frequent handwashing and other hygiene, cleaning and disinfection procedures.
The water allocation for irrigation purposes is initially at 15 cubic meters per second for the southern part of Bulacan until June.
David assured the allocation for irrigation uses in support of the government’s program on food security, which is “equally important in sustaining the food requirement of our people under enhanced community quarantine.”
The NWRB also assured that water in Angat Dam is sustainable until the onset of rainy season in June.
It is coordinating with MWSS and NIA in sustaining their requirements and in providing steady supply for the public considering the importance of water against the negative effects of the COVID-19.
Along with the members of the Angat Dam’s technical working group, NWRB said it will closely monitor the situation of the dam for any significant changes in the projections, which could affect future allocations.
However, David reminded the public to responsibly use water “as one of the most vital frontline defenses against the COVID-19.”
In addition, saving water from the demand side not only ensures sustainable water supply for domestic use in Metro Manila but also secures water for irrigation use in the Bulacan and Pampanga farmlands.
Conserving water will also help in the recovery of Angat dam’s year-end water elevation to secure the supply for all water uses until early next year, he added. (Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz)
