Angat Dam Water Level Drops Further Below Critical Mark, Raising Concerns for Metro Manila Supply

The water level at Angat Dam, the primary water source for Metro Manila, has dropped further below the critical mark of 160 meters above sea level (masl), recording 151.45 masl on Thursday, July 23, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). The reservoir saw a decline of 0.67 meters from Wednesday's 152.12 masl, reaching 151.45 masl. The water level had also fallen on Tuesday, dropping to 152.20 masl from 152.53 masl on Monday. Angat Dam's normal high water level is around 210 masl, with a minimum operating level of 180 masl. Pagasa had previously stated in a climate forum in June that the reservoir was expected to start replenishing by the second to third week of July due to the southwest monsoon rains. However, the expected replenishment has not yet materialized. The National Irrigation Administration Irrigation Management Office in Bulacan noted that farmlands in Pampanga and Bulacan are heavily dependent on rainwater due to the current state of Angat Dam's water level, which is crucial for the National Capital Region (NCR). Pagasa's 5 a.m. weather bulletin on Thursday indicated that moderate to heavy rainfall was expected over parts of the NCR due to the ongoing southwest monsoon. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo