THE Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said Angat Dam water levels have not dropped below 195 meters, arguing for a water allocation of 50 cubic meters per second (cms), which it said was needed to ensure uninterrupted water supply.
“(The Angat Dam water level) did not drop below 195 meters,” which can accommodate a water allocation of 50 cms, Patrick James B. Dizon, a manager with the MWSS water and sewerage management department, said in a Viber message.
The National Water Resources Board set the raw water allocation for Metro Manila at 50 cms for March and early April.
“For MWSS, we want to provide a continuous 50 cms to avoid water interruption for our users,” Mr. Dizon said.
Angat Dam is the main source of water for the National Capital Region, accounting for about 90% of its potable water supply.
As of Wednesday morning, the water level in Angat Dam was 195.85 meters, against the 196.15-meter reading a day earlier, according to the government weather service, known as PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration).
The current level is 16.15 meters below the dam’s normal high level of 212 meters. The minimum operating level is 180 meters and critical level 160 meters.
The MWSS water concessionaires have prepared more than 130 static tanks to be deployed if needed, Mr. Dizon said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
