CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The prevailing dry spell in Luzon and the continuing plunging water level of Angat Dam may soon push the official start of the planting season from July 15 to August 1 if rains will not come soon.
This was bared by Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Andrew Villacorta on Tuesday.
Villacorta said that the state weather agency Pagasa expects above normal rainfall this June, but with the current situation yet to improve, the wet cropping season may be pushed further. Also, Villacorta said that the forecast rain in June may be enough to replenish the plunging water level of Angat Dam.
Angat Dam supplies irrigation to 20,000 hectares of farmland in Bulacan while 2,000 hectares from Pampanga's farmlands in Candaba and border lands of San Luis and Santa Ana get their water supply from the dam.
Pagasa also reported this Monday that Angat Dam in Bulacan has fallen more than one meter below the 180-meter critical level for irrigation. As of 6 am Monday, the water level at Angat Dam was at 178.45 meters, 0.26 meter lower than the 178.71 meters on Sunday.
The dam's normal water level is 212 meters, while its critical level for drinking water is 160 meters. With the current plunging water level, Villacorta said that there is now a need to conserve water among Metro Manila residents.
Angat Dam supplies 90 percent of the domestic water supply of Metro Manila.
Villacorta said that they are currently monitoring the situation to further provide assistance to farmers as the need arises.
Also, the water levels in two major dams in Luzon fell as of Monday with Ipo Dam’s 100.07 from 100.63 meters and Binga Dam falling 569.51 from 569.91 meters.