The Angat Dam’s water level remains below ideal marks even after heavy rains hit Luzon over the past week, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) confirmed on Monday. Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing, NWRB executive director Dr. Sevillo David Jr. noted the level rose slightly to 156.07 meters thanks to the southwest monsoon, but this is still the lowest reading recorded at the dam since 2010. He said the dam has yet to hit the 160-meter critical level, and ideally needs to reach the 180-meter minimum operating level, adding the agency is counting on more rainfall in Bulacan in the coming days to boost supplies. Angat Dam provides most of the raw water used by Metro Manila and nearby provinces, distributed by concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water.
Officials also warned the public to prepare for the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to bring reduced rainfall from late this year through 2027. David emphasized the need to maximize rainfall during the current season to build up dam reserves ahead of the dry spell, and urged households to practice water conservation and collect rainwater for daily use. Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) stated it is closely monitoring the situation, noting that seasonal drops in water levels occur annually regardless of El Niño. The MWSS added that inter-agency coordination meetings are already underway between the NWRB, irrigation and power agencies, weather bureau PAGASA, and water concessionaires to implement conservation measures and ensure stable water supplies.
