Angat Dam hits record low, water saving urged

The public has been urged to conserve water after Angat Dam, the main source of potable water for Metro Manila, fell to its lowest level in more than a decade amid the effects of El Niño and reduced rainfall.

Data from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) showed that Angat Dam’s water level dropped to 151.45 meters as of 8 a.m. Thursday, down 0.67 meter from the previous day and nearly 59 meters below its normal operating level of 210 meters.

NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. said the current level has already breached the previous record low of 157.57 meters set in 2010, underscoring the severity of the ongoing dry conditions.

“The effect of El Niño is huge. The dam’s water level has been decreasing due to reduced rainfall,” David said in a radio interview.

Angat Dam supplies around 98 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water requirements through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), making its declining water level a major concern for households, businesses, and industries.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) hydrologist Jofren Habaluyas said rainfall brought by tropical cyclone Kiyapo is not expected to significantly replenish the reservoir.

David said while the dam’s recovery largely depends on rainfall, public cooperation in conserving water remains essential.

“Every drop counts,” he said.

The NWRB encouraged households and businesses to reduce non-essential water use, including postponing car washing and utilizing collected rainwater for activities such as toilet flushing and cleaning.

The sharp decline in Angat Dam’s water level highlights the growing risks posed by El Niño to water supply, agriculture, and economic activity, as authorities continue to monitor the situation and promote conservation measures.