Angat Dam water level under close watch due to El Niño

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) will continue monitoring the water level in Angat Dam amid the expected absence of sufficient rain until June.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report in GMA's 24 Oras, the 202.3 meter-water level in Angat Dam is still normal. The critical level is 180 meters.

Angat is the main source of Metro Manila's fresh water.

Since the rainy season is expected to kick in by July instead of May, the NWRB said it may possibly implement adjustments on the water allocation.

"Binabantayan po natin kung magkakaroon ng significant development. Sa tingin po natin, sa bandang Mayo pa ang tinitingnan natin na magkakaroon ng adjusment o sa June po," said Dr. Sevillo David, Jr., executive director of the NWRB.

The water concessionaire Manila Water recently announced that some areas in the East Zone may experience "low pressure" to "no water" supply due to the implementation of its El Niño water supply contingency plan starting March 6.

Maynilad, on the other hand, said that their expanded water storage capacity will be able to cover the water demands of their customers throughout the summer months.

Should the NWRB implement adjustments in May, Maynilad already has a plan.

"During off-peak hours, kapag tulog ang ating customers, babawasan lang po natin ang pressure sa pipelines. Worst case na lang po 'yung magkaroon tayo ng rotational interruption but we do not see that happening," said Jennifer Rufo, head of Maynilad's corporate communications unit. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News