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Angat Dam Hits All-Time Low Water Level
Angat Dam in the Philippines has reached an all-time low water level, raising concerns about a potential water crisis in the capital region next year, which relies on the dam for 90% of its supply.
MALOLOS, Bulacan, Philippines – Despite heavy downpours inundating Metro Manila streets, the water level at Angat Dam has dropped to an all-time low. Records from the Bulacan disaster risk reduction and management office showed that as of 11 a.m. yesterday, the water level in Angat was 150.91 meters, a decrease of 48 centimeters from the previous day's 151.39 meters. This elevation is lower than the previously recorded lowest level of 157.56 meters in July 2010. Yesterday's elevation was 9.08 meters below the dam's critical level of 160 meters, and 61.09 meters below the normal high-water level of 212 meters. Angat Dam supplies 90 percent of Metro Manila's potable water needs and provides irrigation water to palay farms in Bulacan and parts of Pampanga. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that Metro Manila may face another water crisis next year if the water level in Angat does not improve, especially amid a possible strong El Niño phenomenon. According to PAGASA senior hydrologist Richard Orendain, the water level in Angat is projected to rise only to 172.74 meters by the end of October, still below the dam's minimum operating level of 180 meters. "If the water level in Angat Dam does not reach 210 meters by the end of the year, we may face a water crisis next year," he said. Angat Dam first fell below its minimum operating level for this year on May 11 and dipped past its critical level of 160 meters on July 4. Source: Philstar Nation
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Philstar Nation