SAN JOSE DEL MONTE – The City Government of San Jose del Monte has intensified its emergency response after the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) mentioned in a Water Forum a possible reduction of water supply allocation to the local water district, resulting in potential operational adjustments due to El Niño.
“We are now operating below the critical level and historic low of 152.19 meters in Angat Dam, far below its minimum operating level of 180 meters. This is the lowest since 2010. If there will be no rains in the coming days, we are expecting to reach 149 meters by the weekend. By that level, we will have to use the low-level bypass outlet that can only accommodate 32 cubic meters per second (CMS) from the current 46 CMS,” Jose Alfredo Escoto, MWSS deputy administrator, said.
CSJDM Mayor Florida “Ate Rida” Robes convened key water agencies today, 21 July 2026—the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA)—to formulate immediate and long-term interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of El Niño and maximizing the remaining water resources available to Bulacan.
Mayor Robes urged the water regulatory agencies to acknowledge the severity of the situation so that the government can immediately identify and implement solutions to address the crisis.
“The reduction in San Jose del Monte’s allocation will inevitably affect thousands of households. We are treating this with the highest level of urgency. The City Government has mobilized every available resource and convened the country’s key water agencies to ensure that every possible intervention is undertaken to lessen the impact on our residents,” she said.
The reduced allocation places even greater strain on the city’s water distribution system, which is still undergoing extensive rehabilitation after years of deteriorating infrastructure inherited by the city’s interim water service operator, Metro Pacific Bulacan Water (MPBW).
The drastic reduction comes as the NWRB warned that Bulacan Province could face a worsening water crisis if Angat Dam continues to fall below its minimum operating level, threatening the water supply of thousands of families that depend on the reservoir.
“We are encouraging local water utilities providers to repair leaks to reduce water losses and reactivate deep wells. The water districts just need to send us request letters and we will fast-track the needed regulatory approvals,” Engr. Del Satore, Monitoring Division of NWRB, said.
MWSS has added that rotational pressure management may be implemented at night time in Metro Manila and Bulacan if the water in Angat Dam continues to fall.
As part of its immediate response, MPBW is targeting to complete several measures within 45 days. These include the continued repair of pipe leaks, with 206 leaks already repaired to reduce water losses and allow more supply to reach consumers.
MPBW is also working on the reactivation of deep wells in Francisco Homes–Guijo, Yakal, and Kaypian; the construction of communal shallow wells in Graceville, Muzon East, and Citrus; the installation of modular treatment plants and static water tanks in various barangays; rotational water supply; and, the continued deployment and coordination of water delivery operations in affected communities.
To further improve water quality, MPBW has completed the installation of specialized treatment equipment that enables the use of potassium permanganate to address elevated manganese levels in raw water sourced from Angat Dam. This treatment process effectively oxidizes and removes manganese through filtration, resulting in safer and clearer water for consumers.
Mayor Robes assured residents that the City Government will continue providing transparent and timely updates on water availability, service interruptions, water rationing schedules, and the progress of ongoing emergency response projects.
“While we cannot control the effects of El Niño or the declining water level of Angat Dam, we can control how quickly and decisively we respond. We will continue working hand in hand with our national government partners to ensure that every available drop of water reaches our people. We ask for the cooperation and understanding of every San Joseño as we confront this challenge together.”
