Despite concerns about an El Niño-induced dry season, residents of Metro Manila and farmers in Bulacan and Pampanga can rest assured about their water supply. Angat Dam’s water level soared past its usual year-end benchmark, reaching a healthy 214.2 meters on Monday, more than two meters above the ideal 212 meters.
Officials attribute this surge to consistent rainfall in the dam’s watershed. The increased level guarantees sufficient water for household consumption in Metro Manila and irrigation for Bulacan and Pampanga’s rice farms throughout the upcoming dry months.
Angat Dam currently releases 50 cubic meters of water per second to Metro Manila and 20 cubic meters to its downstream river system. Meanwhile, Bustos Dam is also overflowing, prompting the opening of its spillgates to release excess water and flush out sediment from irrigation canals.
Francisco Clara, head of Bustos’ water control unit, announced the start of regular irrigation supply for the new dry rice cropping season. This news brings relief to farmers worried about El Niño’s potential impact on their crops.
In summary, the overflowing Angat and Bustos dams paint a promising picture for water security in Metro Manila and surrounding agricultural areas. While El Niño remains a concern, proactive measures and sufficient reservoir levels suggest a dry season without major water woes.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 2, 2024
