By Justin Ilano
The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Wednesday, July 5 said the water level in the country’s major dams, particularly the Angat Dam, continues to decline.
“Ito pong mga pag-ulang nararanasan natin na epekto rin po ng habagat, sa ngayon po, base sa pagmo-monitor natin, hindi pa nakakaabot sa watershed natin, partikular na itong Angat Dam,” NWRB Executive Director Dr. Sevilla David Jr. said.
As of July 5, the level of water in Angat Dam is at 181.22 meters, a meter close to the minimum operating level of 180 meters.
The official said there are no adjustments yet on the allocation of water to consumers.
However, water allocation may be limited once the water level drops further to 180 meters.
“‘Pag bumaba kasi sa lebel ng 180 meters, mas binibigyan natin ng prayoridad ang tubig ng Angat [Dam] para sa water supply sa Metro Manila, kumpara sa mga gumagamit ng irigasyon at power sector po,” he added.
Lower water level may also limit power-generating capacities of the dams.
Sevilla said they cannot yet confirm whether or not the decline in the water level of dams is an effect of El Niño.
“Kasi sabi nga po ng PAGASA ay yung posibleng epekto po ng El Niño ay mararamdaman po natin bago matapos ang taon o hanggang sa susunod pa na taon,” he said.
“Itong June, July, August, September ay panahon ng habagat. Umasa po tayo makarating itong mga ulan na ito sa watershed, partikular na sa Angat Dam,” he said,
He said they are currently looking for other water sources, such as the utilization of deep wells and to boost operations of treatment facilities, in coordination with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. -ag
