Angat Dam’s water level has dropped to a historic 151.45 meters as of 8:00 a.m. Thursday, July 23, far below its minimum operating level of 180 meters, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported.

Governor Daniel R. Fernando said the provincial government is closely monitoring rice fields across Bulacan to protect crops not yet ready for harvest as the dam’s critical water level continues to plunge.

“This is the lowest since 2010,” noted Manuel M. Lukban Jr., local DRRM officer, echoing the warning of MWSS Deputy Administrator Jose Alfredo Escoto.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) cautioned that without rainfall in the coming days, Angat’s level could sink to 149 meters by the weekend.

At that point, operators would be forced to use the low-level bypass outlet, which can only release 32 cubic meters per second (cms), compared to the current 46 cms.

Government agencies, including the San Jose del Monte City government, are holding emergency meetings to address the impact of the prolonged dry spell.

Metro Pacific Bulacan Water (MPBW) has rushed repairs on wells, leaks, and treatment facilities in the city to cushion the looming supply cut.

Meanwhile, the Bulacan Best Friends Association (BBFA) urged dam managers to take advantage of the low water level by dredging the reservoir, which they believe has become too shallow due to siltation.

The group blamed decades of tree-cutting and soil erosion for filling the reservoir with sediment, saying a massive dredging operation is overdue.

The crisis underscores the vulnerability of Bulacan’s water and food supply to prolonged dry periods, with officials warning that urgent measures are needed to prevent further damage to agriculture and ensure stable water distribution.