People in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have been assured of uninterrupted water service throughout the scheduled total plant shutdown of the Angat Hydro-Electric Powerplant, or AHEP, from November to January.

The Angat Hydropower Corporation, which operates AHEPP, is gearing up to start the 61-day repair and rehabilitation of its existing penstock in conjunction with the modernization of the power plant.

The total plant shutdown is scheduled from 6 November to 6 January 2024. The company said this would help prolong the lifespan of the plant to ensure a stable water supply for domestic and irrigation needs.

In a press statement over the weekend, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System said that it has partnered with Maynilad and Manila Water to ensure the water supply.

The MWSS and the two water concessionaires came up with comprehensive guidelines for the operation of the Angat Dam spillway and low-level outlet.

"With the current water level of Angat Reservoir at 209.48 meters, which is near its normal high-water level of 210 meters, the MWSS assures a continuous supply of raw water for the MWSS service areas in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal provinces throughout the entire shutdown period," MWSS said.

The guidelines were approved by the Interagency Technical Working Group on Angat Dam Operations and Management — including the National Water Resources Board, National Power Corp. and National Irrigation Administration, among others.

Located in the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve in Bulacan, AHEPP is a joint venture asset between SMGP and the Korea Water Resources Corp.

The SMGP, through its 60-percent stake in the AHEPP, undertakes the operations and maintenance of the power plant, while K-Water provides the technical expertise.