NWRB: Recent rains improved Luzon dams’ water levels

The recent inclement weather improved the water levels of major dams in Luzon, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said on Monday.

“Ito pong Bagyong Egay at may nauna nga po yung Bagyong Dodong ay nagdulot po ng mga pag-ulan, nakapagpataas po ng lebel ng mga major dams natin partikular po dito sa Luzon Island,” NWRB chief Dr. Sevillo David Jr. said in a televised public briefing.

(Tropical Cyclones Egay and Dodong caused rains which increased the water levels of major dams, particularly those in Luzon Island.)

“Malaki po ang naitulong nitong pag-ulan sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon natin na pag-recharge po ng mga dam natin,” he added.

(These rains were a big help for our situation by recharging our dams.)

Earlier, the NWRB warned of a possible water shortage due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. The agency announced a cut in the water supply allocation to conserve water in light of the El Niño.

On July 4, state weather bureau PAGASA declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon in the Tropical Pacific, with its effects also to be experienced in the Philippines.

The El Niño phenomenon is characterized by the abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and below normal rainfall.

Despite the start of the El Niño, PAGASA noted that generally near to above normal rainfall conditions were still expected from July to September because the period was the peak of the Habagat season.

At Angat Dam, which provides over 90% of Metro Manila's water supply, the water level increased by 17 meters and now reached 195 meters, David said. On July 6, its water level fell below its minimum operating level of 180 meters.

Meanwhile, David said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were working on ways to store excess water from spilling dams. — DVM, GMA Integrated News