The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) approved last week the request of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to increase water allocation from the Angat dam to 48 cubic meters per second (cms) from 46 cms for its concessionaires until the end of the month.
NWRB executive director Sevillo David said at the Laging Handa public briefing yesterday this will provide additional water source in Metro Manila amid the recent string of supply disruptions.
David said Angat dam’s current water level of 189.4 meters while considered normal is not a “comfortable level” to secure the potable water needs of Metro Manila residents as well as irrigation requirements of Bulacan and Pampanga.
“The additional allocation from 46 to 48 cms is effective October 12 to 31. The board usually approves the allocation every month. We will review next week the situation in Angat Dam and Ipo Dam and the requirement of MWSS for the allocation for November,” David said.
The NWRB said Angat dam’s water level at the end of the year must reach at least 212 meters to ensure there will be no supply disruptions especially during the summer months next year.
David also said despite the recent rains in Luzon, other dams like the Pantabangan and San Roque still have low water levels.
Manila Water said it currently provides 24/7 supply to customers of the East Zone and the additional allocation will further ensure continuous supply.
Maynilad Water Services Inc. said increased release from Angat Dam will result in the avoidance of any major service interruption.
The company said the higher allocation will help keep water elevation in Ipo Dam within manageable levels given the lack of local rains at the said watershed.
Maynilad added maintaining water elevation in Ipo Dam is important for the company to ensure it has enough raw water supply for treatment plants unlike Manila Water which has buffer stock through the La Mesa Dam. – Jed Macapagal
