Angat Dam to Undergo Extensive Repairs; No Water Supply Disruption Expected
Angat Hydropower Corp. (AHC) is set to undergo significant repairs and upgrades on its existing penstock to enhance its hydro-electric facility in Bulacan, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). The agency has guaranteed a continuous water supply throughout the process.
MWSS, in collaboration with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc., stated, “The core aim of this initiative is to extend the plant’s operational life, ensuring consistent water availability for both household and agricultural purposes.”
The overhaul necessitates a complete plant shutdown spanning 61 days, from November 6, 2023, to January 6, 2024.
AHC, a collaborative venture between San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. and Korea Water Resources Corp., manages the Angat Hydro-Electric Power Plant (AHEPP). The AHEPP boasts a 218-megawatt generation capacity, encompassing four primary and three auxiliary units.
MWSS has pioneered the formulation of detailed protocols for the Angat Dam spillway and low-level outlet’s operation, in conjunction with the two water concessionaires. This strategy is designed to guarantee uninterrupted water supply during the plant’s downtime.
The agency highlighted that these protocols have garnered unanimous support from the interagency technical working group (TWG) overseeing Angat Dam’s operations. This includes the National Water Resources Board, National Power Corp., National Irrigation Administration, MWSS, and other pivotal entities like Maynilad, Manila Water, and AHC.
Patrick James B. Dizon, who helms the MWSS Angat/Ipo operations management division, noted that with AHC’s ongoing refurbishment activities, sourcing raw water from auxiliary turbines, typically MWSS’s go-to, is unfeasible. He confirmed that during the shutdown, the Angat TWG has consented to channel water to MWSS via the spillway and low-level outlet.
Serving as Metro Manila’s primary water reservoir, Angat Dam provides approximately 90% of the capital’s drinking water.
MWSS has assured that with the current water level of Angat Dam standing at 209.48 meters, nearly touching the regular high water mark of 210 meters, there will be an uninterrupted raw water supply throughout the shutdown.
Manila Water caters to Manila’s eastern sector, covering areas like Marikina, Pasig, Makati, and parts of Quezon City, Manila, and neighboring Rizal province towns.
Conversely, Maynilad services areas including Manila, Quezon City, Makati, and extends to cities in Cavite like Bacoor and Imus, as well as towns like Kawit and Noveleta in the same province.