MANILA – The public is encouraged to conserve water as Angat Dam — which supplies 98 percent of potable water in Metro Manila through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System — is at critical level, and has breached its lowest water level recorded since 2010.
The dam’s normal water level is 210 meters. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, its water level stood at 151.45 meters, down 0.67 meter in the past 24 hours.
In a radio interview on Thursday, National Water Resources Board Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said the current level is already 5 meters below the lowest water level of 157.57 meters recorded in 2010.
“The effect of El Niño is huge. The dam’s water level has been decreasing due to reduced rainfall,” he said.
In a press conference on Thursday, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration hydrologist Jofren Habaluyas said the rainfall from tropical cyclone Kiyapo is not expected to significantly contribute to the dam’s reservoir.
David said that although the dam’s water level primarily relies on rainfall, responsible use of water would still help.
“Every drop counts,” David said.
Thus, he called for public support and urged everyone to conserve water.
Aside from utilizing rainwater, David suggested the reduction of “non-essential” use of water.
“If your car is not too dirty, you could postpone the carwash. You could also use rainwater for toilet flushing,” he added. (PNA)