Angat Dam's water level decreasing amid El Niño

Aug 21, 2023 05:21 AM

At a glance

Water level at Angat Dam is decreasing due to the ongoing dry spell caused by El Niño.
As of August 21, Angat Dam's water elevation was 198.29 meters and Ipo Dam's water level was 100.72 meters.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has suspended scheduled water maintenance in certain areas.
Manila Water has announced a week-long service interruption in Pasig, Rizal, and Quezon City for service improvement activities.
Residents are advised to store enough water supply during the maintenance period.

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has reported a gradual decline in the water level at Angat Dam due to a persistent dry spell caused by El Niño.

As of 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, the water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan was recorded at 198.29 meters, more than a meter lower than the previous week's 199.59 meters.

Despite the decrease, the water elevation at Angat remained above its minimum operating level of 180 meters.

In contrast, its downstream Ipo Dam, also in Bulacan, reported a water level of 100.72 meters, slightly higher than the 100.33 meters from a week ago.

However, Ipo Dam's water elevation is marginally below the maintaining level of 101 meters.

Maynilad said the water level at Angat Dam is slowly decreasing due to the lack of significant rainfall in the previous weeks.

“El Niño is still ongoing in our country, which could potentially lead to a reduction in the rainfall needed to replenish the aforementioned dams,” the water concessionaire said.

“Everyone is continuously being urged to actively participate in the responsible use of water to extend the water supply even further,” Maynilad added.

Meanwhile, Maynilad has temporarily suspended the scheduled water maintenance activities in Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Navotas, Quezon City, and Valenzuela.

Separately, Manila Water Co. Inc. has issued a service advisory informing residents in Pasig, Rizal, and Quezon City about service interruptions from Tuesday, Aug. 22, until Friday, Aug. 25.

According to Manila Water, these interruptions are necessary for improvement activities and have been scheduled for late evenings to minimize inconvenience to residents.

Below is the list of affected areas, the dates, and times of activity:

Aug. 22 to 23

10 PM to 4 AM – Pasig City (Brgys. Pinagbuhatan, Rosario, Maybunga)
10 PM to 4 AM – Quezon City (Brgy. Tandang Sora)

Aug. 23 to 24

10 PM to 4 AM – Pasig City (Brgy. Rosario and Manggahan)
10 PM to 4 AM – Cainta, Rizal (Brgy. Santo Domingo)

Aug. 24 to 25

10 PM to 4 AM – Quezon City (Brgys. Culiat and Vasra)
10 pm to 4 AM – Pasig City (Brgy. Pinagbuhatan)

Residents in the affected areas are advised to ensure an adequate supply of water during the maintenance period until it is completed.— Gabriell Christel Galang