Angat Dam water level nears 180-meter minimum operating level

The water level in Angat Dam on Monday hit 181.85 meters, already close to its minimum operating level of 180.

According to Dano Tingcungco's report on "24 Oras," the decrease in the water level is still considered normal and the current reading remains far from the record low 156 meters observed in July 2010.

Still, the water levels are expected to drop further if the rains don't fall in the area.

If the trend continues, PAGASA Hydrometrologist Elmer Caringal said water allocation from Angat Dam to irrigation would be decreased.

If the water level falls even further, the water allocation for power generation would be next.

If the water level falls below 180 meters, National Water Resources Board executive director Dr. Sevillo David said Metro Manila's water supply would be the priority for water from Angat Dam. —Jiselle Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News