Angat Dam level still dipping; water supply enough until June —NWRB

The water in level in Angat Dam is expected to drop further due to the soaring heat index recorded across the country, the National Water Resources Board said on Thursday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, NWRB executive director Sevillo David Jr. said that the water supply in Metro Manila is still sufficient for May and June.

“Ang mga dam natin partikular po ang Angat Dam ay bumaba pa rin po ang lebel dahil nga po mainit ang panahon. Inaasahan natin na bababa pa rin siya,” he said.

“Sa kasalukuyang lebel niya na 189.3 meters, medyo masasabi natin na nasa normal pa ang lebel ng Angat Dam. Matutugunan pa rin ang mga pangangailangan natin sa tubig,” he added.

Angat Dam supplies over 90 percent of Metro Manila's water needs.

On Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA reported a record-high heat index of 53 degrees Celsius (°C) heat index in Butuan City. The high human perceived temperature was recorded at 2 p.m.

The second hottest temperature was reported in Ambulong, Tanauan City recording at 51 degrees °C, followed by Sangley Point in Cavite City with 51°C, Clark in Pampanga with 46 °C, and Maasin City with 46 °C.

According to David, the water level in Angat Dam could drop a meter every five to six days.  PAGASA earlier said the rainy season is expected to come around May or June.

NWRB maintained the regular allocation of water supply in Metro Manila at 46 cubic meters per second for the public to utilize enough water amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

Even with enough storage, David still advises the public to conserve water. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News