The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has projected a gradual recovery of Angat Dam’s water level starting next month.
During a climate forum on Wednesday, June 26, PAGASA Hydrologist Richard Orendain said the water level of Bulacan’s Angat Dam may increase to 191.37 meters by the end of July due to the anticipated rainfall from various weather systems.
“Magiging normal na ang operation ng Angat Dam kung magiging ganito ang level natin by the end of July (The operation of Angat Dam will be back to normal if our level will be like this by the end of July),” he said.
Angat Dam’s water level is currently at 175.55 meters, below its minimum operating level of 180 meters.
Angat Dam, a major water source for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, has been operating at lower levels due to below-average rainfall over the watershed area in the past few months.
To reach its normal-high water level of 210 meters, approximately 1,144 millimeters of rainfall in a single event would be required, Orendain added.
PAGASA is hopeful that Angat Dam will fully recover during the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season.
Its updates on other critical dams in Luzon showed that the San Roque Dam in Pangasinan may also have normal operations by next month.
Currently, at 225.9 meters, San Roque Dam’s water level is projected to reach 252.52 meters by the end of July.
To reach its 280-meter normal-high water level, it may need 1,345 millimeters of rainfall in a single event, Orendain added.
Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija faces a more significant rainfall deficit, requiring approximately 2,177 millimeters in a single event to reach its normal-high water level of 216 meters.
The dam is expected to gradually improve with an anticipated water level of 186.3 meters in July, up from its current level of 177.84 meters.
Meanwhile, Orendain said Magat Dam in Isabela may approach its spilling level based on the basin rainfall projections.
Its current water level is 178.88 meters and is 11.12 meters short of its 190-meter normal-high water level.
PAGASA is expecting these dams to continue recovering through August.