The water level at Angat Dam, Metro Manila's major water supply, has climbed to 198 meters, according to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).
The dam is at a "normal operating level," according to NWRB executive director Sevillo David, considerably above its minimum level of 180 meters.
However, Angat's water level was still 12 meters below its average peak level of 210 meters on Thursday, he said.
David explained that the dam was at 178 meters on July 14 due to the Philippines' constant rains, which caused the dam's water level to rise by 20 meters.
David ascribed the rise in Angat Dam's water level to the southwest monsoon, or habagat, as well as the effects of recent storms Egay and Falcon.
He stated that the rise in water level would be a "big help" in preparing water reserves by the time the El Niño phenomena would be in full force.
David previously stated that he was still uneasy with Angat Dam's water level, even though it had exceeded its 180-meter regulation curve.
He stated that the dam's level should reach 210 to 212 meters by the end of the year in order to meet Metro Manila's water needs during the dry season next year.
Meanwhile, David reported that the Ipo and Bustos Dams continued to flow water on Thursday, even though they had reached the spilling level.
The release of water has been cited as a likely cause of flooding in Bulacan, which was struck by huge floods caused by monsoon rains last weekend.
