The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said Thursday the projected rainfall induced by the southwest monsoon could replenish the Angat Dam’s supply.
In a Laging Handa public briefing, Patrick Dizon, a division manager at the MWSS’ site operations management, said at least four storms this month are also expected to fill the reservoir and slow down the reduction of its water level.
PAGASA reported that as of 6 a.m. Thursday, the water level in Angat Dam was at 178.03 meters, which was below the 180-meter minimum operating level. But the low-pressure area east of the country developed into Tropical Depression Dodong overnight, it added Friday.
“Right now, the continuous rainfall in our watershed has slowed down the reduction of the water elevation of the Angat reservoir. So, these four typhoons that we’re expecting could enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains in our watershed in Angat,” Dizon said
“Based on historical data, it is during these months until September that we replenish our reservoir, and the water level increases),” he added.
Dizon assured that the MWSS and water concessionaires would maximize the expected rains to cushion the effect of water interruptions.
“If we experience rains in our watershed, then we will maximize these so that we could reduce the number of hours of water service interruptions,” he said.
Customers of water utility Maynilad in portions of Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Navotas, Quezon City, and Valenzuela have started experiencing up to nine hours of daily water service interruption since July 12 due to a decrease in the water level at Angat Dam.