THE METROPOLITAN Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said that the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) retained its water allocation at 50 cubic meters per second (cms) for November.
“Our commitment to preserving water from the Angat Reservoir remains,” Patrick James B. Dizon, head of the MWSS Angat/Ipo operations management division, said in a Viber message. “In the event of increased inflows from the watershed, we will fully utilize the [availability] and, if necessary, request a reduction in our allocation.”
The decision was made at the NWRB’s meeting last Oct. 20, during which it was established that the Angat Dam is on track to reach the year-end target elevation of 210-212 meters.
“Currently, the Angat elevation stands at 208.81 meters, assuring us that our water supply will remain secure next year, even in the face of El Niño,” Mr. Dizon said.
In July, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the onset of El Niño, which is expected to persist until the first quarter of 2024.
As of Sunday morning, Angat Dam’s water level was 208.63 meters, down from 208.74 meters a day earlier, data from PAGASA’s website showed.
Angat Dam is the main source of water for Metro Manila, accounting for about 90% of the capital’s potable water. The MWSS normally draws 48 cms from Angat Dam. NWRB had approved the proposed 50 cms water allocation for October.
“Considering the approved 50 cms allocation for November, we are still confident that we will maintain our progress toward reaching the target elevation,” Mr. Dizon said.
MWSS said in a joint release with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc. last week that Angat Hydropower Corp. will undertake a major repair and rehabilitation of its existing penstock to modernize the Angat Hydro-Electric Power Plant in Bulacan.
The agency said the move requires a total plant shutdown for 61 days from Nov. 6, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024.
MWSS, however, assured uninterrupted water supply as raw water releases would be possible through the spillway and low-level outlet, instead of auxiliary turbines where MWSS usually gets its allocation. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
