MANILA, Philippines, July 2 ----- There is enough water supply from Angat Dam until the end of July, according to the state weather bureau.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Ailene Abalardo said the water level in the dam is expected to drop only by around one meter by the end of next month. Abalardo said this is enough for the dam’s irrigation and potable water allocations.
The projected water level at the reservoir is around 182.8 meters, which PAGASA said remain above the rule curve elevation of 180 meters. Abalardo said normal rainfall in the dam is also expected from July to October. The reduced water allocation of 50 cubic meters per second for Maynilad and Manila Water will take effect tomorrow as the water level in Angat Dam continues to recede.The dam supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs and provides for the irrigation needs of 25,000 hectares of farmland in Bulacan and Pampanga. Metro Manila residents may expect a rotating water interruption due to the cut in water allocation.
Nearing critical level
As of June 29, the water level in Angat Dam dropped to 182.84 meters or only two meters higher than its critical level of 180 meters. Records from the Bulacan provincial disaster risk reduction and management office showed that the dam’s water level on Wednesday was at 183.12 meters.
Sevillo David Jr., executive director of the National Water Resources Board told the STAR in a text message that the dam would prioritize Metro Manila’s water requirements once the water level reaches 180 meters. David said water allocation for hydropower plants would be reduced and irrigation of riceland in Bulacan and Pampanga would be suspended if the water level dips further. He said there is no confirmation yet if cloud-seeding operations would be conducted to raise the water level in the dam. Meanwhile, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon or habagat, which is affecting the western section of Luzon, would bring scattered rains over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Ilocos.
The state weather bureau expects the southwest monsoon to bring in rains to replenish water in dams before the onset of the El Niño phenomenon.
Source: philstar.com
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