Water allocation for NCR, Bulacan, Pampanga raised despite Angat Dam low level

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) raised the allocation of water for Metro Manila (National Capital Region) and farms in Bulacan and Pampanga after the water level in Angat Dam slightly increased due to the weather systems last year.

However, the water level in Angat Dam is still not expected to go back to normal, according to a Balitanghali Weekend report by Raffy Tima on Saturday.

The increased allocation for Metro Manila and the irrigation systems in the said provinces began on January 7, as the level in Angat Dam is now at 202 meters above sea level.

"Kahit papaano nakatulong 'yung bagyong Tisoy saka 'yung Ursula sa pag-recharge ng Angat Dam," Dr. Sevillo David, Jr., NWRB executive director said.

Allocation for irrigation in Bulacan at Pampanga was doubled at 20 cubic meters per second from the previous 10 cubic meters per second, while the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System was allocated 42 cubic meters per second from the previous 40 cubic meters per second.

"Mababa pa rin siya doon sa 46 cubic meters per second na normal allocation po so ang masasabi po natin dito, posible pa rin na magkaroon ng kabawasan du'n sa normal delivery of services... Baka 'yun pong mga irigasyon sa Bulacan at Pampanga, hindi po lahat ay mapapatubigan," David added.

The NWRB said there might possibly be no more storms coming in the coming months up to the dry season.

El Niño is no longer expected in 2020 as compared to last year.

"Dati noong merong El Niño, month ng January talagang halos wala nang nao-observe na pag-ulan within the watershed ng Angat, so sa ngayon may nakikita tayo na kahit paano merong konting pag-ulan na bumabagsak o nabibiyayaan itong Angat Dam," said Elmer Caringal, PAGASA hydrologist.

As of the moment, Angat Dam is increasing at 10 centimeters per day, which is only minimal but better than last year where much more water was released than added to the dam.

PAGASA does not expect Angat Dam to reach its normal level of 212 meters before the summer.

Residents in Metro Manila are still expected to save water with the unstable water supply. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News