MWSS to get less water from Angat in October

The stock of water at the Angat Dam in Bulacan province is expected to rise during the remainder of this year, thanks to the La Niña phenomenon, but the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has reduced the allocation to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for October.

The NWRB said in a statement that for this month, the MWSS—for the supply needs of concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc.—would receive 44 cubic meters per second, down from the normal rate of 46 cms that was implemented in September.

The agency said this was meant to ensure sustainability of supply in Angat, which remained below minimum operating level.

As of 6 a.m. on Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) pegged the water level in Angat at 178.37 meters above sea level (masl). Since Sept. 3, the stock has been lower than the minimum of operating level of 180 masl.

“To manage the relatively low level at the Angat Dam, the [NWRB] approved a slightly lower allocation for October,” NWRB executive director Sevillo David Jr. said in a text message.

Even then, the NWRB said the reduction of allocation would mean “minimal to no significant effect” in the distribution services of Maynilad and Manila Water.

“Water supply is reinforced by local rainfall received in Ipo and La Mesa dams, the activated deepwells, and the concessionaires’ water treatment plants in Putatan and Cardona,” the agency said.

Citing forecasts from ­the Pagasa, the water regulator said most parts of the country, including Central Luzon, was expected to receive above normal rainfall due to a La Niña phenomenon, starting in October and extending up to early 2021.

“Even though a significant amount of rainfall is expected in the coming months, water must be effectively managed in both supply and demand sides to ensure water sustainability,” the NWRB added.