Angat dam breaches its minimum operating level at 179.9 masl on July 8, 2023. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Despite the weakening El Niño, officials see the water level in Angat Dam declining to below the minimum operating level of 180 meters before the end of May. 

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David said once this happens, supply will definitely be affected. 

“Most likely ma-hi-hit natin ‘yung minimum operating level ng Angat Dam by May 20 or 21. By that time, kailangan na natin ulit mag-analyze ng ating supply, magbawas ng supply both for NIA and for Metro Manila,” he said. 

(We will most likely hit the minimum operating level of Angat Dam by May 20 or 21. By that time, we would need to lessen the water supply for both NIA and Metro Manila.) 

No cut in Angat allocation for Manila Water, Maynilad

David, who also heads the National Water Resources Board, is hopeful that the occasional showers experienced in different parts of the country will help in delaying the continuing impacts of the climate phenomenon. 

Metro Manila is still highly dependent on Angat Dam with 90% of its water supply coming from the reservoir. Government, however, has been working on culling water from alternative sources. 

“Throughout these years, nag-develop na tayo ng ibang sources. Nandiyan ang Laguna Lake, nandiyan ang Wawa Dam. At para dito sa ating El Niño situation, in-activate natin ‘yung mga deep wells natin sa Metro Manila temporarily.”

 (Throughout these years, we have been developing other water sources. There’s the Laguna Lake, the Wawa Dam and for this El Niño situation, we temporarily activated deep wells in Metro Manila.) 

Angat water level still far from critical: MWSS

As of May 8, Angat’s water level has dipped to 184.78 meters or a decline of 0.40 meters the day prior. It sits just above the minimum operating level. 

Desalination, however, is not part of the plan for the National Capital Region. Instead, another dam – the Kaliwa Dam – is seen to contribute towards a steady supply of water in Metro Manila by 2027 to 2040. 

David explains desalination plants are projected for isolated islands and island barangays. He adds that they’ve also seen the need for Cebu City to have its own desalination plant.

NWRB likely to reduce water allocation for MWSS, concessionaires in mid-May

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