Recent rains to help dams regain normal level; infra still needed

FILE: State of La Mesa Dam taken on March 2019. (Photo By Maria Frances Marfil)

MANILA — The rain showers that the country has been experiencing recently would help dams maintain their normal water levels, a hydrologist told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.

“The rains over Metro Manila last night contributed to the increase in the water level of Ipo and La Mesa dams. Now that the (wet season) is coming, it would help normalize the dams’ water level,” said hydrologist Ed dela Cruz.

Angat, Ipo and La Mesa dams are the main sources of water supply in Metro Manila.

Dela Cruz said that as of Wednesday 6 a.m., Angat Dam’s water level is at 171.5 m., or .35 m. higher than last Tuesday’s. Ipo Dam reached 101.01 m., only less than 2 inches from its level last Tuesday. La Mesa Dam was up 0.7 m. and reached 68.56 m. on Wednesday. While Ipo Dam already reached its normal level, Angat and La Mesa dams are still below normal water levels.

Dela Cruz said Angat Dam’s normal water level is 180 meters. “La Mesa, on the other hand, must be at least 78-79 m., while Ipo Dam should not be below 100 m.,” he said.

A level of below 100 m. for Ipo Dam slows down the entry of water supply for Maynilad, according to dela Cruz.

He also explained that if La Mesa Dam reaches 70-71 m., this could still lessen the water interruption in Metro Manila.

“For example, (the clients) used to experience no water supply for 12 hours, that number of hours will be shortened,” he added.

According to dela Cruz, residents of Metro Manila have experienced water shortage because of the summer, and because of insufficient rains.

“There was mild El Niño. Also, even if there was a typhoon last January, the rainfall did not reach the La Mesa watershed well.

Dela Cruz emphasized that the water level of dams would depend on rain showers. “Rains are the only thing that replenish the dams. There are no other sources. It’s not something we could get from the mountains, for example,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, dela Cruz said that even if the wet season is about to come, there is still a need to create a new dam.

“The increase in population led to the increased demand. This is also a contributing factor in the water shortage that (providers) have been experiencing,” he said.

Dela Cruz added that constructing additional dams would help address the water shortage problem.