PAGASA: Rains raise Angat, Ipo Dam water levels

State weather bureau PAGASA on Friday said the continuous rains from Tropical Depression Dodong and the southwest monsoon raised the water levels at the Angat and Ipo Dams.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras," PAGASA said the Angat Dam reservoir must reach the spilling level of 210 meters before the year ends.

"Dahil nga sa napakababang lebel ng Angat Dam, kailangan pa rin natin ng apat hanggang limang bagyo para umabot ito sa 210 meters elevation," said PAGASA Hydrologist, Richard Orendain.

(Due to Angat Dam's low water level, we will need up to five tropical cyclones to reach the 210-meter elevation.)

Meanwhile, the water level in the Novaliches Portal increased due to the rain, aside from the allocation it gets from the Angat Dam.

"Pag umulan sa may Ipo watershed, 'yung Ipo Dam, name-maintain siyang mataas," said Maynilad Corporate Communications Head Jennifer Rufo.

(When it rains at the Ipo watershed, the Ipo Dam, the high water level is maintained.)

"So basta mataas yung level ng Ipo Dam, kahit konti 'yung nilalabas ng Angat, nami-meet niya yung shortfall," she added.

(Just as long as the Ipo Dam level is high, even if Angat doesn't release much, the shortfall is met.)

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Council was expected to issue ordinances on ways to save water as they look into methods to help entrepreneurs and businesses that use water.

"Depende talaga kung gaano maging kababa ang lebel ng dams natin na siyang pinagkukunan ng tubig sa Metro Manila," said Metro Manila Council President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.

(It depends on how far the levels drop at our dams - Metro Manila's water source.)

"Huwag na sanang umabot sa punto na kinakailangan nating maglalagay pa ng cap sa paggamit ng tubig," he added.

(Hopefully, we won't have to put a cap on the use of water.) — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News