NWRB rolls out contingency plan amid declining drop in dam water levels

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Monday said it has implemented contingency measures in anticipation of a significant drop in dam water levels.

Speaking to Super Radyo dzBB, Executive Director Dr. Sevillo David Jr. said these measures include using deep wells and providing alternative water sources.

“Tayo ay nagsagawa ng contingency measures kagaya ng deep well ay binigyan ng pahintulot itong mga konsesyonaryo na gamitin yan kung kinakailangan, kung magkaroon sakali magkaroon ng kakulangan,” David said.

(Contingency measures have been implemented, such as allowing concessionaires to use deep wells if necessary in case of a possible shortage.)

“Ito sa kasalukuyang pamahalaan, may nagsasagawa ng mga alternative na puwedeng pagkuhaan ng tubig.Gaya ito sa may Upper Wawa Dam, sa Rizal. Ito halos patapos na rin at baka mapakinabangan ito sa susunod na taon po,” he added.

(Under the current administration, alternative water sources are being developed, like the Upper Wawa Dam in Rizal, which is nearly complete and may be utilized by next year.)

According to David, dam water levels have been declining since February this year.

As of 8 a.m. on Monday, Angat Dam has 182.54 meters reservoir water level (RWL) while La Mesa Dam has 79.94 meters RWL, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

The Angat Dam provides about 90% of Metro Manila’s water supply as well as parts of Rizal and Cavite provinces.

Serving as the primary sedimentation basin, the La Mesa Dam has a storage capacity equivalent to 19 days of Manila Water’s supply requirements.

“Pero sa kasalukuyan, wala pa kaming nakikinitang major interruption na mararanasan natin sa pagkagaling sa kasalukuyang buwan sa kadahilanang ang allocation sa kasalukuyang buwan, sa tingin natin, ay sapat para sa Metro Manila,” David said.

(However, at present, no major interruptions are expected this month, as the current allocation is considered sufficient for Metro Manila.)

PAGASA has issued an El Niño Alert as the forecast probability rose to 79%, with a chance of developing from June to August.

The state weather bureau earlier said the temperature in Metro Manila is expected to rise between 35°C to 39°C in April and 35.5°C to 37.6°C in May. —RF, GMA News