2 more weeks of rains needed to normalize Angat water level

At least two more weeks of intense rains like Sunday's downpour will be needed for the water level at Angat Dam to inch back toward the critical 180-meter level. Dam manager Rodolfo German said Sunday the rains, which he attributed to the rainy season and cloud-seeding, have further brought up water levels at Angat. "Mga 180 yan in two weeks' time kung ganyan ang sitwasyon (The water level will likely reach 180 meters in two weeks' time if we continue to get rain like this)," German said in an interview on dzBB radio. The government last week conceded that a large portion of Metro Manila, or those being serviced by west area concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc., is experiencing water crisis.

German said as of Sunday noon, the water level at Angat — which supplies most of Metro Manila's water needs — was at 162.10 meters. The critical water level at Angat is 180 meters. The water level had been climbing up starting the later part of last week. Maynilad is sourcing its water from Angat Dam, whose water level hit a record low of 157.6 meters last week. When asked if Angat needs more rains like Sunday's downpour, German said, "Oo, para mabilis ang pag-angat ng level natin (yes, so our water level can rise)." German also said the water level may even exceed the 180-meter level in August or September, when cyclones are expected to bring in more rains to the country. "Inaasahan, bagyo kasi yan, mabilis siguro yan (We expect the cyclones to bring in rains that will raise the water level)," he said. - KBK, GMANews.TV