Water level in Angat dam is lower than critical level

The water level at Angat Dam is now below critical level, according to a report on Dobol B sa News TV.

As of 6 a.m., the water level is at 159.78 meters. The figure is lower than the critical level of 160 meters.

Jennifer Rufo, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. corporate communications head, said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV that the National Water Resources Board has implemented the reduced water allocation as of 1 a.m. From 40 cubic meters per second (CMS), the water allocation has been decreased to 36 CMS.

"Minomonitor namin ang impact. So far, napuno naman ang mga reservoir," she said.

Rufo said the water service interruption schedules announced on Friday will take effect on Saturday.

"Pinakamahaba ngayon unfortunately aabot ng 20 hours," she added.

Rufo said the company is trying to distribute the limited water allocation to its customers, thus the rotational water service interruptions.

"Pinagkakasya po natin 'yan sa nakararami para walang areas na 24 hours walang tubig," she said.

Cavite province will be the most affected and may experience water service interruption that may last for several hours as it is farthest from the water source, which is Angat Dam in Bulacan.

"Definitely po may pagrarasyon kami sa mga apektadong lugar pero pinapayuhan po natin ang publiko na alamin ang oras na magkakaroon ng tubig sa kanilang lugar," she said.

Rufo said the water utilities company has deployed mobile tankers and stationary water tanks to augment water supply in some areas.

"Binabantayan din po natin ang kalidad ng tubig. Kumukuha na po kasi sa lower outlet ng Angat Dam. Expect po na malabo ang tubig kasi ilalim na bahagi na po ito ng dam," Rufo told Melo del Prado in an interview.

Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water vice president for corporate communications, said the water service interruptions affecting their customers could now last from 12 to 17 hours, from the previous 8 to 12 hours.

The most affected areas will be Marikina, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and other elevated areas.

"Ang operasyon ay ina-adjust base sa alokasyon na binibigay sa atin," he said.

"Minomonitor natin ang magiging patuloy na lebel ng dam," Sevilla added.

He also said the water quality is being tested every day, but customers should expect some discoloration right after their water service resumes. — BAP/KG, GMA News