Heavy rains from typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon have persistently increased water levels in the eight major dams in Luzon, as monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, July 24.
As of 8 a.m., the water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan was up by almost one meter, rising from 177.48 meters to 178.41 meters.
Angat Dam, a major water source for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, has been operating below the 180-meter minimum operating level due to below-average rainfall over the watershed area in the past few months.
PAGASA said Angat Dam is expected to gradually recover this month, which coincides with the peak of the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” and the tropical cyclone season.
Other dams in Luzon have also seen increases in their water levels due to incessant rains.
Ipo Dam in Bulacan saw a slight increase in its water level, from 100.93 meters to 101.5 meters.
La Mesa Dam in Quezon City also experienced an increase, from 77.07 meters to 78.15 meters.
Meanwhile, Ambuklao and Binga dams, both located in Benguet, recorded significant increases in their water levels.
Ambuklao Dam’s water level rose from 741.14 meters to 744.85 meters, while Binga Dam increased from 568.26 meters to 571.75 meters.
The water level at San Roque Dam in Pangasinan also rose from 226.46 meters to 227.5 meters.
Likewise, the water level at Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija increased slightly from 180.29 meters to 180.57 meters.
Similarly, Magat Dam in Isabela saw its water level rise from 174.37 meters to 174.9 meters.
So far, all the major dams have water levels below the spilling level.