Water interruptions likely if Angat Dam level dips further

Rappler.com

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Water interruptions likely if Angat Dam level dips further
Though the rainy season is underway, the amount of rainfall is still not enough to boost the water level of the Angat Dam

MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila’s water supply might be scarce in the coming weeks if there will not be enough rain to replenish the Angat Dam’s supply, according to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

In a statement on Monday, June 17, the NWRB said that despite the start of the rainy season, the Angat Dam’s water level has already declined to P162.39 meters as of Monday. This is way below the 180-meter minimum operating water level.

The board said this is because of the “insignificant rainfall” that hit the Angat reservoir area in the past weeks. The dam already went below 180 meters last April amid the dry season.

As the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration expects monsoon breaks or dry spells, the Angat Dam’s water levels may continue to drop.

“It is estimated that water elevation in the reservoir will breach the low-level mark of 160 meters by the third week of June 2019 if the prevailing conditions in Angat Dam persist…. This level is considered critical for domestic water supply,” the NWRB said.

Should this occur, the NWRB said, the 46 cubic meters per second (CMS) allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) would be reduced further. It was already reduced in June from the previous 48 CMS.

“This will affect the regular delivery of water service provided by Metro Manila concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water. Pressure reduction, water rotation, and interruption are expected,” the NWRB said.

It added that cloud-seeding operations and the use of MWSS deep wells are still being implemented.

In the coming months, the NWRB said it expects the Angat Dam’s water level to eventually return to normal as more rains come. But it still urged the public to continue conserving water to ensure stable supply. – Rappler.com

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