A hydrologist on Monday advised the public to continue conserving water as they have recorded low water level in Angat and Pantabangan dams. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday recorded 179.23 meters water level in Angat, and 178.87 meters in Pantabangan. "Both should have at least 180 meters water level," PAGASA hydrologist Jason Bausa told the Philippine News Agency. Bausa said he doesn't see this as an effect of the El Niño phenomenon, adding that the rainfall has not been reduced yet. "We see that the recovery stage is between July to August. This is actually an annual recovery period for both dams," he said. Bausa said the public, however, should continue conserving water. "Maximize water during thunderstorms, too. Save water from thunderstorms since this happens daily," Bausa said. Angat Dam supplies 98 percent of the potable water in Metro Manila through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). Pantabangan Dam, on the other hand, is a multipurpose dam mainly used for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation for the rice fields of the province but nearby communities have also made a living out of fishing in the reservoir.

Source: Philippines News Agency