Cloud seeding starts over Angat Dam

Cloud seeding operations are now being conducted as the water elevation of Angat Dam continues to recede, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said on Thursday.

The dam is the primary source of potable water to Metro Manila residents.

It provides irrigation water supply to Bustos Dam for Bulacan and some parts of Pampanga’s irrigated rice lands, as well as power generation to the Luzon Grid.

In a statement, NWRB Executive Director Sevilo David Jr. confirmed that the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) have been conducting cloud seeding operations since last week.

PAGASA previously said water level in Angat Dam may reach the critical level in June as latest data show similarity to data during the 2010 water crisis.

Records from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Bulacan showed that water elevation in Angat Dam was at 190.94 meters as of Thursday morning. This is 10.94 meters above its minimum operating level of 180 meters.

As the water level continues to drop, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has reduced its supply to its south and north service areas in Bulacan and some parts of irrigated rice lands in Pampanga.

At the start of the dry cropping season, the NWRB has allocated a total of 40 cubic meters per second (cms) to the two service areas of NIA being regulated by Bustos Dam.

Roberto dela Cruz, NIA provincial manager for Bulacan, said the water allocations for their service areas have been reduced, with the north zone allocated only eight cms and the south six cms.

“The reduction in the irrigation allocations in these service areas will take effect at the start of the harvest season with minimal water requirements for maturing rice crops,” David said.—LDF, GMA News