Water supply remains below normal for March

The allocation of raw water from Angat dam for domestic use in Metro Manila, Cavite and Rizal is expected to be maintained at a sub-normal level of 42 cubic meters per second (cms) in March, the third month in a row, according to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said in an interview this would be the recommendation when the board meets next week, a move that is more likely to be carried than a reduction in allocation.

“We want to at least maintain [42 cms and avoid a reduction] until we are able to go back to normal allocation levels,” David said.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System normally receives 46 cms from Angat. In 2019, MWSS and its concessionaires received as low as 36 cms when water level at the dam fell below the critical level of 160 meters above sea level.

David told the Inquirer that with the summer months approaching, an increase in MWSS allocation might not be forthcoming, but that there would at least be no reduction.

“We are striving to at least maintain 42 cms through the coming months to ensure that there would be sufficient supply in the summer and lessen the impact of the dry months on consumers,” he added.

As for water allocation for irrigation, David said this was likely to be also maintained at 20 cms or half the normal supply for farms.

“We have to maintain that in March because they need it [at a time when crops are in their vegetative stage],” he said. “This may be reduced in April when the need is less because the crops are nearing harvest.”

As of Friday morning, water level at Angat was at 202.48 meters above sea level (masl) or 9.52 of of 212 masl.