The water level of Angat Dam has dropped to less than a meter above the critical water level of 160 meters, according to the state weather bureau on Monday.
The dam's water level decreased by another 0.62 meter to 160.71 meters from 161.33 meters on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its 8am dam information.
The rapid decline in Angat Dam's water level is attributed to reduced rainfall caused by the El Niño phenomenon, with the lower reservoir water level contributing to a faster drop even with the same amount of water released, according to a weather facilities specialist.
The reservoir is expected to reach the critical water level in the next few days, but the rate of depletion may slow as localized thunderstorms and an approaching low-pressure area (LPA) bring rains.
The specialist noted that while the reservoir may reach the critical water level, rotational water service interruptions may be implemented in some parts of Greater Metro Manila, primarily affecting residents in farther or higher-elevation areas due to decreased water pressure.
Ambitious efforts to conserve and reuse water are underway, with the public urged to take part in reducing water waste and saving this essential resource.
The approaching LPA is expected to traverse Southern Luzon and the Visayas on Tuesday, with a possibility of emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, potentially developing into a tropical cyclone.
