The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has decided to reduce water supply and irrigation allocations even further after the Angat Dam falls below the minimum operating level, which is expected this weekend.
NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David stated that if the level of Angat Dam goes below 180 meters, the board will change raw water allocations for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
From the present 50 CMS, the MWSS will receive 48 cubic meters per second.
According to David, the NIA will receive up to 20 CMS from 38.5 CMS until the end of July.
The NWRB official stated that once Angat hits the minimum operating level, water supply for Metro Manila will take precedence over irrigation.
The NIA allocation, according to David, will be for farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Angat's water level plummeted to 181.18 meters yesterday from 181.53 meters the day before.
With Angat only 1.22 meters away from reaching critical levels, David expects the dam water level to drop below 180 meters this weekend.
MWSS division manager Patrick Dizon stated that the impact of the reduced Angat allocation would be discussed with Maynilad and Manila Water Company, Inc.
Amid the dry spell, MWSS assistant administrator Jose Dorado Jr. suggested that Metro Manila mayors establish legislation governing golf courses, car washes, and swimming pools.
