PAGASA: Rainfall still not enough to raise Angat Dam level

MANILA – Rainfall over the past four days in several parts of the country, particularly in Luzon, has not been enough to increase the water level at Angat Dam, according to a hydrologist from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the water level at Angat Dam stood at 150.85 meters, slightly lower than the 150.91 meters recorded the previous day. The dam’s normal operating level is 210 meters.

In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, PAGASA hydrologist Rosalie Pagulayan said that while the daily decline appears minimal, the gradual decrease becomes significant over time.

Since July 1, the dam’s water level has been dropping by an average of 0.3 meters per day, she said. There were days when the decline reached 0.6 meters and 0.42 meters, but the average has remained at around 0.3 meters daily.

Pagulayan explained that although several weather systems have brought rain to parts of Luzon, the rainfall has mostly been light to moderate and has not been sufficient to replenish the reservoir.

She added that a low-pressure area and the easterlies continue to bring rain across much of Luzon, with localized thunderstorms likely, especially in Metro Manila. However, current weather forecasts indicate that only light rainfall is expected over the Angat watershed.

Pagulayan urged the public to use water responsibly despite the absence of widespread service interruptions. She also encouraged households to practice rainwater harvesting to help conserve water resources.

Angat Dam is a major source of water supply for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, making its water level a key indicator for water availability, particularly during the dry season. (PNA) -Philippine News Agency