The water level of Angat Dam on Thursday dipped to a record low, despite inclement weather caused by localized thunderstorms. According to the latest monitoring, the dam's water level declined by 0.39 meter to 156.68 meters on Thursday from 157.07 meters on Wednesday.
This marks the dam's new all-time record low, surpassing Wednesday's record, which had already exceeded the previous historic low of 157.56 meters recorded in 2010. The significant decline in water level has raised concerns about potential water rationing in the capital.
Assistant weather services chief Rosalie C. Pagulayan stated that Angat's new historic low may trigger water rationing, although it has not happened yet. East Zone water concessionaire Manila Water Company Inc. and West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. have not reported any water interruptions on Thursday related to the dam's depleting water supply.
The government is taking steps to prevent water interruptions, with Ms. Pagulayan emphasizing that the agency is monitoring rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Typhoon Bavi, to help increase the reservoir's water level. Forecast rainfall within the watershed is expected to have a positive impact, with tomorrow and Saturday being crucial days.
To recover to its normal operating level, Angat Dam would require at least 1,000 to 1,200 millimeters of accumulated rainfall, which is considered a very high amount. In comparison, heavy rainfall typically ranges from 50 to 100 millimeters in a day, indicating that prolonged and substantial rainfall is needed to recover the dam's water level.
Ms. Pagulayan advised the public to treat water conservation as a cost-saving measure, as every drop of wasted water could add to their water bill. This emphasizes the importance of water conservation in helping to slow the decline in the dam's water level.
