Weeklong rain pushes Angat Dam to minimum operating level
At A Glance
- As of 8 a.m. Friday, Angat Dam's water level rose to 180.10 meters, up 1.31 meters from 178.79 meters recorded the previous day.
- The dam's return to the minimum operating level marks a significant improvement after its water level plunged to a record-low 150.6 meters on July 25, when it was also below the critical level.
Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan (Santi San Juan/Manila Bulletin file)
Angat Dam in Bulacan has recovered to its 180-meter minimum operating level as rains from the southwest monsoon or “habagat” continue to boost water levels, based on the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, Aug. 14.
As of 8 a.m. Friday, the dam’s water level rose to 180.10 meters, up 1.31 meters from 178.79 meters recorded the previous day.
The 180-meter mark is Angat Dam’s minimum operating level, an important threshold used in managing the reservoir’s water supply.
When the water level falls below this point, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) may reduce water allocations as available supply becomes more limited, while prioritizing domestic water needs.
Meanwhile, Angat’s 160-meter mark is considered its critical level, indicating a more serious shortage and the need for tighter water management.
The dam’s return to the minimum operating level marks a significant improvement after its water level plunged to a record-low 150.6 meters on July 25, when it was also below the critical level.
Despite the recovery, Angat Dam remains nearly 30 meters below its 210-meter normal high water level during the rainy season.
Continued gains are needed to build up the reservoir’s water reserves ahead of the next dry season.
Meanwhile, Ambuklao and Binga dams in Benguet continued to release water on Friday.
Ambuklao Dam’s water level was at 751.61 meters, just 0.19 meter below its normal high water level, while Binga Dam was at 574.89 meters, or 0.08 meter below its normal high water level.
The two dams form part of a cascading dam system, with San Roque Dam in Pangasinan receiving most of the water they release.
As of Friday, San Roque Dam’s water level continued to rise, reaching 266.20 meters, but it remained below its 280-meter normal high water level.