Tropical cyclones may help to restore the water levels in Angat Dam, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Hydrologist Elmer Caringal.

“More than 1,000 plus pa yung kailangang ah millimeters of rainfall para ma ma-reach niya ulit yung normal high water level niya. So I think mga two to three na bagyo na tatama sa watershed ng Angat Dam bago siya makaabot doon sa normal line niya,” he said

According to PAG-ASA, current rainfall remains insufficient to bring the dam back to its normal level. Based on the data as of July 2, the water level stood at 160.32 meters, which is still below the minimum operating level of 180 meters.

According to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), more than 90% pf the water supply in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces originates from Angat Dam. However, the government has implemented numerous initiatives to diversify water sources and prevent a repetition of the 2019 water crisis.

The initiatives include the following:

• Construction of new dams
• Treatment plant
• Deepwell 
• Repaired water pipelines to minimize water leaks 

“So during that time po nung 2019 hanggang ngayon ay nag-implement po tayo ng tinatawag po nating mga augmentation measures po. So ito yung mga new additional na water sources po natin no na ah pwede po nating gamitin para hindi po tayo magkaroon ng interuption,” according to MWSS Manager Patrick Dizon

With reports from Lesley Huidem

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