The water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan has further dipped below its minimum operating level, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday, July 11.
Based on PAGASA’s monitoring, Angat Dam’s water level was down to 178.8 meters on July 11, from 179.23 meters on July 10.
Its current water level is 2.43 meters below the 181.23-meter rule curve elevation, or the minimum reservoir elevation needed to be maintained by dam operators to ensure the availability of water for irrigation, power generation, and domestic supply.
Angat Dam (Mark Balmores/Manila Bulletin)
The dam’s level is also way below its 210-meter normal-high water level during the rainy season. Angat Dam, which is located within the Angat watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan supplies 98 percent of the potable water in Metro Manila. PAGASA earlier expressed hope that rains from the southwest monsoon or “habagat” may help replenish the Angat Dam’s supply. Habagat is a warm, moist southwesterly wind that brings rain to the western part of the country from May to September. [https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/24/pagasa-hopes-rains-in-coming-months-will-help-replenish-angat-dam-s-supply](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/24/pagasa-hopes-rains-in-coming-months-will-help-replenish-angat-dam-s-supply) According to the PAGASA’s rainfall forecast, most areas of Luzon and the Visayas could experience near-normal to above-normal precipitation in July. Mindanao, on the other hand, is said to receive near-normal rainfall this month, with the exception of Davao del Sur, which may experience below-average rainfall. In addition, based on PAGASA’s climate record for July, two to four typhoons could enter or form within the country’s area of responsibility. PAGASA said the widespread impact of El Niño, manifested by drier and warmer conditions, could be felt as early as October, when the influence of the southwest monsoon begins to weaken.
Angat Dam (Mark Balmores/Manila Bulletin)
The dam’s level is also way below its 210-meter normal-high water level during the rainy season. Angat Dam, which is located within the Angat watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan supplies 98 percent of the potable water in Metro Manila. PAGASA earlier expressed hope that rains from the southwest monsoon or “habagat” may help replenish the Angat Dam’s supply. Habagat is a warm, moist southwesterly wind that brings rain to the western part of the country from May to September. [https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/24/pagasa-hopes-rains-in-coming-months-will-help-replenish-angat-dam-s-supply](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/24/pagasa-hopes-rains-in-coming-months-will-help-replenish-angat-dam-s-supply) According to the PAGASA’s rainfall forecast, most areas of Luzon and the Visayas could experience near-normal to above-normal precipitation in July. Mindanao, on the other hand, is said to receive near-normal rainfall this month, with the exception of Davao del Sur, which may experience below-average rainfall. In addition, based on PAGASA’s climate record for July, two to four typhoons could enter or form within the country’s area of responsibility. PAGASA said the widespread impact of El Niño, manifested by drier and warmer conditions, could be felt as early as October, when the influence of the southwest monsoon begins to weaken.