MANILA, Philippines – The water level at the Angat dam continues to go up, according to the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of 6 a.m. Tuesday (December 17), the Angat dam’s water level is at 197.22 meters, which is higher than the 196.67 meters recorded on Monday.
PAGASA said this is due to the rainfall brought about by the recent Typhoon Tisoy (international name: Kammuri) and the effects of the northeast monsoon (Amihan).
The state weather bureau said water levels at the Angat dam usually improve at this time of the year based on historical data.
Despite this, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) advised the public to still conserve and use water wisely.
NWRB executive director Servillo David Jr. said this is because the target normal operating level of 212 meters for Angat Dam has yet to be reached.
Angat Dam supplies water to Metro Manila and Central Luzon areas.
“Nag-i-improve siya pero ang sabi nga namin ‘yung improvement niya hindi natin masasabing okay na tayo para maging business as usual tayo sa paggamit natin ng tubig. We’re not out of the woods yet,” David said.
“Sabi nga natin, mas mababa siya kumpara sa mga nagdaang taon,” he added.
David warned that
water consumers may again experience supply shortage in the next dry season if
the normal operating level at Angat dam will not be hit by the end of the year.
“Kapag hindi po kasi siya naka-recover dun sa target natin na 212 meters, then
magkakaroon ng impact ito sa water supply natin particularly for the Metro
Manila residents at kasama na rin yung sa irrigation which is around 27,000 hectares
sa Bulacan at Pampanga,” he said.
“Baka magpapatuloy po, most likely ay magpapatuloy ang kabawasan sa suplay natin sa tubig,” he added.
Parts of Metro Manila and nearby areas are still experiencing rotational water interruption due to insufficient supply.
According to PAGASA, the water level at Angat dam may only reach 200 meters even if the northeast monsoon prevails until February next year.
The state weather bureau has not monitored any weather disturbance that may develop into a tropical cyclone outside the Philippine area of responsibility. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Joan Nano)
The post Angat dam water level goes up but still below target – NWRB appeared first on UNTV News.