Typhoon Goni boosts Metro Manila’s water supply until yearend

METRO Manila’s water supply will be enough for the rest of the year after rains brought by Typhoon Rolly, according to the state weather bureau.

The water level of Angat Dam, the capital region’s main water source, had risen by 1.11 meters to 201.78 meters as of Monday morning, it said.

The dam’s normal level is at 210 meters, while its minimum operating elevation is at 180 meters.

“We are seeing sufficient water supply for this year until next year particularly during the summer months,” Sevillo D. David, Jr., executive director of the National Water Resources Board, said in a mobile phone message.

“Rainfall projections of near normal to above normal could result in further improvement of the dams, particularly Angat Dam,” he added.

He said there was no need yet to increase the water allocation of Metro Manila to 48 cubic meters per second despite the recent improvements in Angat Dam’s elevation.

As of Monday morning, the water level of Ipo Dam rose by 14 centimeters to 100.62 meters, nearing its spilling level of 101 meters. On the other hand, the elevation of La Mesa Dam fell by 17 centimeters to 78.69 meters.

The water board in September cut Metro Manila’s allocation to 46 cms from 48 cms due to dropping water levels of Angat Dam. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave