Despite the approaching transition to the wet season, the water level at Angat Dam has sustained its downward trend, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Wednesday.
Hydrological data released at 8 a.m. Wednesday showed the reservoir’s elevation at 174.44 meters, marking a decrease from the 174.83 meters recorded the previous day. This current measurement places the dam significantly below its normal minimum operating level of 180 meters, though it remains well above its critical threshold of 116 meters.
The declining supply is a critical concern for the nation’s capital region, as Angat Dam provides approximately 90% of the water requirements for Metro Manila, alongside servicing portions of Cavite and Rizal provinces.
Relief from the dry spell may be on the horizon, as PAGASA forecasts the official start of the rainy season to occur between the final week of May and the first week of June.
According to PAGASA weather specialist Charmagne Varilla, specific meteorological criteria must be met before the season is formally declared.
“The rainy season is officially declared when at least five consecutive days record more than 25 millimeters of rainfall, accompanied by prevailing southwest winds,” Varilla explained.
Historical data shows that the onset of the rainy season for the preceding year was officially declared on June 2.