Angat Dam drops below critical level again

PLUNGING LEVEL. The Angat Dam goes below 160 meters again on July 11, 2019. File photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Angat Dam in Bulacan again dropped below its critical level of 160 meters on Thursday, July 11, amid the lack of rain in the past week.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the Angat Dam's water level plunged to 159.93 meters as of 6 am on Thursday.

It had first gone below 160 meters last June 22, then inched back up above 160 meters at the start of July as the southwest monsoon or hanging habagat triggered much-needed rain.

But after that rainy period, the country has been experiencing a monsoon break as the southwest monsoon became temporarily weaker. A monsoon break lasts a few days up to two weeks, according to PAGASA.

The minimum operating water level (MOWL) of the Angat Dam is 180 meters. It had gone below 180 meters last April, during the dry season.

Authorities are expecting the Angat Dam to return to its MOWL by August or September.

Until then, customers of Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services will continue to experience daily service interruptions.

The affected customers are in parts of Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, and Bulacan. (READ: SCHEDULE: Manila Water interruptions for July 2019 and SCHEDULE: Maynilad water interruptions for July 2019) – Rappler.com