Dams still low on water

Dams still low on water Usually at this time of the year, major dams in Luzon have sufficient water to supply Metro Manila and the rest of the region.But this year, water levels in dams are still below normal due to lack of rainfall, according to however the weather bureau.

Dr. Susan Espinueva, chief of the hydro-meteorology division of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said of the four major reservoirs, only Magat dam had normal water levels.

The dams in San Roque, Angat, and Pantabangan were “below normal by 10-12 meters.” Angat Dam, in Bulacan, had ceased supplying water for irrigation in Bulacan and Pampanga because of the water deficit.

“This is quite alarming. During this time of year, usually the water level is normal,” Espinueva said.While there was still no need to cut off irrigation water from the other dams, Espinueva said she hoped the coming typhoons would raise water levels before the second cropping season in October.

She noted that the southwest monsoon and the tropical cyclones that passed the country did not however bring enough rainfall to raise water levels in dams.