The allocation for irrigation from the Angat Dam will be reduced starting May as the harvest season kicks in, the National Water Resources Board said.
In a radio interview, NWRB executive director Sevillo David Jr. said the allocation for irrigation will be decreased from 35 cubic meters to only 10 cubic meters on May 1.
“The irrigation requirements for our palay have already been met. Since the harvest season is fast approaching, our farmers will no longer need as much irrigation allocation,” he said.
“Because of this, we can already reduce the allocation for irrigation from Angat Dam. This will also help us ensure our dam’s water supply level,” David added.
Angat Dam’s water level was at 183.55 meters, or 28.45 meters below its normal high water level of 212 meters, as of Sunday morning.
David said the critical level of 180 meters may be reached by the end of the month given the prolonged dry spell caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
“We believe the critical level will be hit before the end of April. Once that level reaches 180 meters, we have to prioritize our domestic water requirements,” he said.