MANILA — While the water level in Angat Dam continues to be at a comfortable level, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) urged the management of villages and condominiums in Metro Manila to practice water austerity measures as the capital region continues to bear the brunt of the strong El Niño.

In a bulletin, the DENR assured that Metro Manila would “have sufficient water supply coming from Angat Dam and that other water sources have already been activated or on standby”.

“Conduct regular checks of water meters of residents during periods of no activity (i.e. early morning or late night) to detect any possible leaks as indicated when meters are still running,” the bulletin read.

It also directed managers of villages and condominiums to postpone maintenance of swimming pools, especially those that require draining and water replacement. Cleaning of common areas, roads and sidewalks should only be done when necessary.

“In case of localized rains, setup drums in downspouts to capture rainwater which can be used for general cleaning purposes. Prohibit residents from washing their cars, driveways and watering their lawns using a garden hose. Instead use a pail and dipper (tabo) to do these activities,” the bulletin added.

Avoid bidet use, frequent toilet flushing to save water

As of April 3, the level of Angat Dam is at 198.15 meters--slightly below its 198.44-meter level the day before.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the public could expect to see a continuously declining trend for Angat until the end of the month and possibly even until May.

“Pumasok na talaga yung summer, kung meron mang pag-ulan hindi na masyadong significant para makadagdag sa level ng Angat,” said hydrologist Edgar Dela Cruz.

(Summer is really here. If there’s any rain that will fall, it won’t have any significant effect on Angat’s water level.)

Dela Cruz said Angat loses an average of .25 to .30 meters of water everyday which could cause the dam's water level to drop between 191.4 to 190.05 meters by the end of the month.

As rainfall is also expected to be significantly lower in May, there is also a possibility that its level may further drop between 183.65 to 180.75 for that month. This is the dam’s minimum operating level.

Angat Dam water may reach critical level, PAGASA hydrologist says

While Dela Cruz cannot determine what action dam operators may resort to should this level be reached, historically, some parts of Metro Manila experienced less water pressure or worse, water rationing and interruptions.

Aside from Angat Dam, PAGASA is also keeping a close eye on San Roque, Magat and Pantabangan Dams. All three dams are currently below the rule curve or the required water level to be able to comfortably carry out its services.

Among the four major dams, Pantabangan is the only one whose current level is below the minimum operating level of 177 meters. As of April 3, Pantabagan’s level is at 176.10 meters.

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