La Mesa Dam water level below normal

March 11, 2019

The water level in La Mesa Dam fell below  normal on Monday morning. 

Data from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Atmospheric Administration (Pagasa) showed as of 6 am, La Mesa Dam's water level was 68.93 meters, about 11. 22 meters lower than its normal 80.15 meter level. 

According to Pagasa's Climate and Monitoring Section, the onset of the El Nino phenomenon possibly played a role in lowering of the dam's water level. 

Rosy Abastillas of Pagasa's Climate and Monitoring Section told The Daily Manila Shimbun in a phone interview the dry season may "partly" be connected to the dam's current condition.

"Maybe the El Nino had an effect [to the water level]," she said. 

She said the weather bureau issued an El Nino watch as early as July 2018 that's why they had no idea about the sudden fall in the dam's water level. 

"If they already know (that it's El Nino season), they ( water service providers) should have managed the (water distribution) properly," she said.

Abastillas explained that in line with their series of El Nino advisories and weather outlooks Pagasa has been expecting a possible water level decrease in dams due to low rainfall after southwest monsoon. 

In 2009 to 2010, according to Abastillas, the strong El Nino caused huge drop of water levels in dams.

But she said since Angat Dam's water level is still normal. La Mesa Dam's condition can't be attributed only to the dry season. 

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB), a government agency responsible for the country's water resources, assured that despite the critical level of La Mesa Dam, there will be enough watery for the next couple of months. 

"For the next couple of months, we have sufficient water supply considering we still have normal water levels in Angat Dam," Sevillo David Jr., executive director of NWRB, said over ANC. 

"But in the middle of this year, around May or June, we will closely monitor the level of [Angat] dam and the possible effect of El Nino. If the rainfall will be below normal, that means we will make necessary adjustments in producing allocation of the water supply and even the irrigation just to preserve the level of the dam," David added. 

He said the government might consider some deep wells or backup wells as possible water supply.

David added that as  a band-aid solution to water shortage, the government might examine good quality rivers to increase  supply in different areas. 

Many areas in Metro Manila has been experiencing water interruption and  shortage since last week. 

Pagasa said an increase in rainfall levels is expected at the second half of May or first half of June. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS