THE National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is considering raising the water allocation for Metro Manila by two cubic meters per second (cms), depending on water levels at Angat Dam.
Susan P. Abano, NWRB chief of policy and programs, said that the board is looking into increasing the water allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) from 48 cms to 50 cms if the water level of Angat Dam does not go below 195 meters.
“We may revert (the water allocation) to 50 (cms); we will again add two cms as long as water level in Angat does not go below 195 meters (as of) April 10,” Ms. Abano said in a radio interview on Tuesday.
Angat Dam is the main source of water for National Capital Region (NCR), accounting for about 90% of its potable water supply.
As of Tuesday morning, the water level in Angat Dam was 198.44 meters, down from 198.80 meters a day earlier, according to the government weather service, known as PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration).
These levels remain above the dam’s minimum operating level of 180 meters.
The NCR March and early-April allocation had been 50 cms, later reduced to 48 cms between April 16 and 31.
“The MWSS may implement strategies like reducing pressure or closing outlets by 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. to augment water supply until the rainy season,” Ms. Abano said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera