MWSS: Angat Dam won't reach critical level

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Wednesday said the Angat Dam will not reach its critical level, despite operating at below minimum amount.

“Sa ngayon, nasa 177.89 meters na po ang ating Angat reservoir. Though mababa pa po ito, hindi naman po natin ito nakikitang aabutin ‘yung ating critical level na 160 meters,” MWSS Water and Sewerage Management Department Manager Engineer Patrick Dizon said at a public briefing.

(The Angat reservoir is currently at 177.89 meters. Although it is at a low level, we do not see it reaching the critical level of 160 meters.)

According to Dizon, Angat Dam hit the critical level during the El Niño in 2010.

“Sa ngayong elevation po, sapat pa naman po ito dahil meron po tayong mga nakukuhang tubig nanggagaling sa pag-uulan sa ating mga watershed,” he said.

(At this elevation, it is still enough because we have water that comes from rainfall in the watersheds.)

The dam's minimum operating level is at 180 meters.

Dizon, meanwhile, added that recent thunderstorms and upcoming tropical cyclones due to the La Niña phenomenon are expected to boost water supply in parts of Luzon from July to December.

“Makakatulong din po sa atin ito para ma-refill ‘yung ating mga binabantayang tatlong reservoir na pinagkukunan natin ng tubig.”

(This will also help us to refill the three reservoirs where we get our water supply.)

The MWSS had previously sought higher allocation from the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system for the rest of June to ensure there will be no water interruptions in Metro Manila and its nearby areas.

Angat Dam provides around 90% of the potable water in Metro Manila, Rizal, and portions of Cavite and Bulacan.

MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas said the agency will ask the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to increase its allocation for June 16 to 30 period to 52 cubic meters per second (cms) from the current 51 cms.

The MWSS administrator, however, clarified that even if the NWRB allocates 50 cms, the normal allocation, “there will be no water interruption” since it is already the rainy season. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News