Angat Dam still within normal levels amid El Niño —NWRB

The water level in Angat Dam remains within the normal levels amid the expected absence of sufficient rain until June.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview on Sunday, National Water Resources Board (NWRB) Executive Director Dr. Sevillo David Jr. said the water level in Angat Dam is currently at 200.97 meters, or about 20 meters higher than the reservoir's minimum operating level of 180 meters.

Angat Dam, located in Norzagaray, Bulacan, serves as the main water supplier in Metro Manila.

"Sa ngayon, sa tingin namin may sapat tayong supply ng tubig sa Angat para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga kababayan natin sa Metro Manila, kasama na rin 'yung irigasyon sa Bulacan at Pampanga, lalo na itong buwan ng Marso, or itong panahon ng tag-init," David said.

"Sana makarating 'yung panahon ng tag-ulan nitong mga buwan ng Mayo o Hunyo," he added.

David said the NWRB is strictly monitoring the water level in Angat Dam for changes during the expected El Niño period.

Depending on the changes in the water level, he said the agency may cut down the water allocation given to the two Metro Manila concessionaires, namely the Manila Water and Maynilad.

"Pagdating ng mga Mayo, base sa datos na darating pa, gagawa tayo ng karampatang aksyon para naman maibsan o hindi makakaapekto sa mga kababayan natin, or mabawasan ang negatibong impact sa mga kababayan natin," he said.

"Kasama rin doon sa posibleng mangyari kung sakaling mababa ang lebel ay magbawas ng alokasyon para sa irigasyon at pati na rin sa water supply," he added.

Manila Water recently announced that some areas in the East Zone may experience "low pressure" to "no water" supply due to the implementation of its El Niño water supply contingency plan starting March 6.

Maynilad, on the other hand, said that its expanded water storage capacity will be able to cover the water demands of its customers throughout the summer months. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News