NWRB cuts Angat Dam water allocation as Philippines braces for strong El Niño

MANILA — The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has reduced water allocations from Angat Dam for Metro Manila and irrigation as part of early preparations for a strong El Niño expected to affect the country until the middle of next year.

NWRB Chief Sevilio David Jr. said the allocation for Metro Manila’s water supply was lowered to around 44 to 46 cubic meters per second in October, from the usual 50 to 52 m³/s. 

Water allocation for irrigation was also reduced to 20 to 25 m³/s from the regular 35 m³/s, taking into account rainfall that could help meet agricultural water requirements.

David said the adjustments were intended to conserve water stored in Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s primary water source, ahead of the dry season and the expected peak of El Niño.

“For the month of October, nagkaroon po ng adjustment. Meaning, binabaan po muna natin ‘yung requirement of water supply for Metro Manila. Kasama po dito ‘yung mga households and industries,” David said. “Pero hindi po ibig sabihin nito na mababawasan ‘yung supply po sa mga kabahayan.”

“Sa ngayon po, ‘yung water supply for Metro Manila ay sapat po tayo. We have sufficient water supply for Metro Manila until the end of this year or early next year,” he told ANC’s Headstart.

He said water concessionaires could tap other sources, including Laguna Lake and deep wells, to augment supply and compensate for the reduced allocation.

David added that Angat Dam was at 209 meters as of the interview, which he described as a normal level.

The NWRB is strengthening its water conservation campaign as the government prepares for the potential effects of El Niño, which could reduce rainfall and water levels in dams and rivers.

David said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was crafting a policy to manage water use and consider restrictions if necessary. For now, the government is focusing on managing demand rather than imposing new restrictions.

Among the measures being encouraged are rainwater harvesting, water recycling and reuse, and repairing leaks in households and businesses.

The NWRB is also coordinating with local government units and relevant authorities to encourage businesses with non-essential water use, including car washes and golf courses, to conserve water.

Government offices may also face stronger conservation measures under an existing administrative order requiring a 10-percent reduction in water consumption.

David said restaurants could be encouraged to serve water only upon request.

“Kung iinom ‘yung tao, doon lang po natin sila bibigyan,” he said.

He added that businesses should explore ways to recycle and reuse water whenever feasible. The government may consider further demand-management measures if water shortages emerge.

David said the government would draw on its experience during previous periods of low water levels, including when Angat Dam reached 150 meters in July, to prepare for the coming El Niño. Despite the low level at that time, he said Metro Manila and nearby provinces did not experience major water interruptions.

David said the NWRB was cautious about expanding the use of groundwater, particularly in Metro Manila, because of concerns about water quality.

The agency allows water concessionaires to activate emergency deep wells because these providers have appropriate treatment measures before distributing water to consumers. Hospitals and other critical facilities may also establish deep wells, subject to the necessary requirements.

For individual households relying on deep wells, David advised checking water quality, particularly when the water is intended for drinking.

“Kaya nga po sa ngayon, particularly sa Metro Manila, medyo nire-restrict po natin ‘yung paggamit ng deep well. Una po, we have to be cautious of its water quality. Kung minsan po kasi, mga kababayan natin, direct ang iniinom ‘yan. ‘Yan ang kailangan natin tignan,” he said

He identified Cavite, Bacolod, Cebu, Laguna, Baguio and Angeles City as areas where groundwater use is already substantial.

David said upland communities could face additional challenges during El Niño because they often depend on springs and rivers, which may have reduced flows when rainfall declines.

“So ‘yan po ‘yung challenge sa mga upland areas pag nagkakaroon ng El Nino at mababa ang mga pag-ulan na nararanasan,” he said.

The NWRB is seeking additional funding for 2027 to expand its presence outside Metro Manila, where the effects of El Niño will also be felt.

David said the agency’s proposed programs include strengthening water demand-management campaigns, assessing potential sites for additional water sources, monitoring water supplies and identifying areas experiencing water stress.

“For NWRB po, it’s more on the enhancement ng mga campaign natin on water demand and management. And likewise, ‘yung assessment ng mga possible areas po saan pwede maka-develop ng mga additional water sources,” he said.

The agency is targeting the Mindanao River Basin and parts of Negros Island for assessment, along with selected cities and municipalities where groundwater availability needs to be evaluated.

“Likewise, sabi natin ‘yung mga regulation and monitoring natin for next year po ay gusto nating i-focus ‘yan dun sa mga areas that may be affected by this El Nino phenomenon. Likewise, isa sa mga ginagawa din po ng NWRB for next year ay ‘yung mga assessment po ng mga water stress areas outside of Metro Manila,” David said.

David said the NWRB’s proposed 2027 budget was P284.35 million. He said much of the agency’s work next year would focus on regulation and monitoring, particularly in areas that could be affected by El Niño.

The government has directed agencies to prepare action plans for the weather phenomenon, which David said could persist until the middle of next year.