Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Local governments and water management officials are stepping up preparations for possible water shortages in parts of Bulacan as water levels in Angat Dam continue to decline months before the expected peak of a forecast Super El Niño. The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) warned that Angat Dam, one of the primary sources of water for Metro Manila and several nearby provinces could fall to as low as 149 meters by the end of the year, a level that would surpass the previous historic low of 152.19 meters recorded in 2010.Data from state weather bureau PAGASA showed that the dam&#x27;s water level continued to drop, falling from 152.12 meters to 151.45 meters in just one day.If the reservoir reaches 149 meters, MWSS said it would have to rely on the dam&#x27;s low-level outlet to continue supplying water. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/7/10/strengthening-el-nino-likely-to-rank-among-largest-on-record-us-agency-0836">Strengthening El Niño likely to &#x27;rank among largest&#x27; on record—US agency</a></div>&quot;Ang natatanging option na lang natin ay itong tinatawag na low-level outlet so doon po continuous pa naman po kahit 101 ang level ng reservoir. Pero yun nga po may limitation na rin sa volume. So as much as possible talagang tinitipid natin na wag umabot sa 149 meters,&quot; Engr. Patrick Dizon, manager of the MWSS Water and Sewerage Management Department, said in a DZMM interview.Under such a scenario, water allocation from Angat Dam would have to be reduced from the current 46 cubic meters per second to 32 cubic meters per second, potentially affecting water availability in communities that depend heavily on the reservoir. One of these areas is San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, where nearly all of the city&#x27;s water supply comes from Angat Dam.To prepare for the anticipated impact of El Niño, local officials recently convened to discuss measures aimed at ensuring a stable water supply even if reservoir levels continue to decline. According to the city&#x27;s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), efforts are underway to maximize alternative water sources, including the rehabilitation of deep wells and the exploration of additional supply options.&quot;Talagang binubuhay yung mga local sources namin. Yung mga deep wells, yan talagang binubuhay yan. Tapos kung pwede makakuha pa, makapag-outsource, kausap din ng Metro Pacific, nang hindi lang dito sa Angat Dam tayo aasa,&quot; said Gina Tolentino Ayson of the San Jose del Monte CDRRMO. The city is also repairing leaking water pipelines to reduce losses and constructing modular water treatment plants in selected barangays to improve access to potable water.For residents, the prospect of another prolonged dry spell brings back memories of previous water supply problems. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/7/7/el-nino-is-expected-to-break-records-top-expert-1950">El Niño is expected &#x27;to break records&#x27;: top expert</a></div>Among them is Arnel Ramos, whose household experienced frequent water interruptions before a new water concessionaire improved service in their community. With water supply now more reliable, he worries that the looming El Niño could once again disrupt their daily lives.&quot;Ang El Niño ay nagbabanta at magtatagal hanggang next year. Yun ang aming worry talaga. Pwede talagang makapagbigay ng malaking problema sa atin dahil nga sa tubig.” Forecasts indicate that the strongest effects of the expected Super El Niño may be felt from late this year until the early part of 2027, raising concerns over reduced rainfall, declining reservoir levels, and possible water shortages across several parts of Luzon.As preparations continue, officials are urging the public to practice responsible water use by conserving water and avoiding unnecessary consumption to help ensure that limited supplies can serve as many households as possible during the expected dry period.<div>  </div>

Local governments and water management officials are stepping up preparations for possible water shortages in parts of Bulacan as water levels in Angat Dam continue to decline months before the expected peak of a forecast Super El Niño.

Local governments and water management officials are stepping up preparations for possible water shortages in parts of Bulacan as water levels in Angat Dam continue to decline months before the expected peak of a forecast Super El Niño.

Bulacan braces for possible water shortage as Angat Dam level continues to drop

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Bulacan braces for possible water shortage as Angat Dam level continues to drop

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 23, 2026 11:01 PM PHT

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Water

Angat Dam

MWSS

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