Angat Dam dips below 160-m critical level, could affect irrigation, power supply

The water level of Angat Dam has breached its 160-meter critical level, PAGASA said Tuesday.

As of 8 a.m., the dam's reservoir water level was recorded at 159.95 meters.

Located in Norzagaray, Bulacan, the Angat Dam supplies about 90% of water to Metro Manila, and parts of the provinces of Rizal and Cavite.

Its normal high water level is 210 meters above sea level, while its minimum operating level is 180 meters.

Once the dam falls below its minimum operating level, water releases for irrigation are reduced or temporarily suspended, potentially causing service interruptions in some areas. Power generation is also halted, reducing reserve capacity in the Luzon grid.

Meanwhile, if the dam drops below critical level, irrigation supply may be fully suspended, while water allocations to Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services may be cut, leading to rotational interruptions and water rationing in affected areas.

Government agencies have urged the public to conserve water while rainfall remains insufficient to replenish major dams.

PAGASA earlier announced that El Niño conditions are present in tropical Pacific.

"In May 2026, the observed relative sea surface temperature anomaly (rSSTA) reached the +0.5°C threshold. Additionally, most climate models suggest there is over an 80% probability that this will develop into a full-blown El Niño event, which is likely to persist until early 2027," the state weather bureau said.

PAGASA has also announced the onset of the rainy season after it observed frequent rains due to the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News