The water level of Angat Dam continues to drop despite recent rains. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
The water level at Angat Dam has continued to decline despite several days of rainfall, raising concerns among residents of Bulacan and other parts of Luzon.
Latest monitoring data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) showed that as of 10:00 a.m. on June 15, Angat Dam’s water level was at 167.48 meters, well below its minimum operating level of 180 meters. This marks a steady decrease from 171.14 meters on June 6, 170.58 meters on June 7, and 169.86 meters on June 9.
Meanwhile, Ipo Dam registered 100.01 meters, maintaining its ideal level of 100 meters, while Bustos Dam recorded 14.73 meters, below its spilling level of 17.70 meters.
Bro. Martin Francisco, chairperson of the Sagip Sierra Madre Ecclesial Community Association Inc. (SSMECAI), confirmed the drop in Angat’s reservoir, citing photos taken by Aries Bordeos on June 15 that showed only small boats navigating shallow rivers.
He attributed the situation to the ongoing Super El Niño phenomenon, which has brought sparse rainfall, often missing the Angat watershed.
Residents are wondering why heavy downpours in Bulacan, including the June 13 rains that caused the Marilao River to overflow and briefly displace families, failed to replenish Angat Dam.
Concerns have also been raised about the state of the watershed’s forest cover, with suspicions that illegal logging may have reduced its capacity to retain water.
Despite localized flooding, PDRRMO executive officer Manuel Lukban Jr. confirmed that Angat Dam’s water level remained unchanged, still below its operating threshold.