By Catherine Teves/PNA
MANILA — Water in Magat Dam is approaching its critical low level but it will likely be able to irrigate its service areas in Isabela province up to end of April this year.
Magat may still provide irrigation water for some 20 to 35 days more counted from Saturday (March 16), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Richard Orendain said.
“That dam’s water might already dip to the critical low 160 meters by mid-April when the harvest season ends,” he added.
Orendain expects Magat Dam to recover starting May, however, noted that Isabela already starts experiencing rain then.
“That means Magat will have some water again in time for land preparation activities before palay planting season starts this June,” he said.
PAGASA data show reserve in Magat Dam has been significantly dipping as Orendain said this facility continues releasing water for irrigation.
He said Magat’s 6 a.m. water level on Saturday was at 167.59 meters — 0.41 meter lower than the 168-meter level there 24 hours earlier.
“Level of water in Magat may already be between 162 meters and 163 meters by this month’s end,” he added.
Construction of Magat Dam began in the 1970s. It is one of the Philippines’ largest dams.
