Laguna Lake water level stays above critical-high mark

LUCENA CITY — The water level at Laguna de Bay remained at 12.65 meters, still above its critical-high mark, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) reported on Thursday.

In its 9:15 a.m. advisory, the LLDA said the lake’s water level exceeded its critical-high level of 12.50 meters “due to persistent torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon and a Low Pressure Area.”

The latest reading was unchanged from Wednesday’s 12.65-meter level.

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READ: Laguna de Bay breaches critical mark – LLDA

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However, it remained 2 centimeters lower than the 12.67-meter level recorded at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The LLDA considers 10.50 meters as the lake’s critical-low water level and 12.50 meters as its critical-high level.

The agency urged lakeshore residents to remain vigilant and closely monitor official announcements.

Laguna de Bay serves as a natural catch basin for water draining from watersheds in Laguna and Rizal provinces, as well as parts of Metro Manila. Rising lake levels can increase the risk of flooding in low-lying communities along its shores.

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Meanwhile, the fisherfolk’s group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) reported on Tuesday that more than 20,000 kilograms of tilapia and bighead carp have died in another fish kill episode at Laguna de Bay.

The group said the incident affected more than 30 fish cages covering over seven hectares in Jala-jala town, Rizal, with initial losses estimated at P700,000.

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READ: Over 20,000 kg of fish die in latest Laguna de Bay fish kill

Fishers and operators suspect chemical waste may have contributed to the fish kill.

The LLDA has yet to issue a report on the incident.

In an Aug. 21 advisory, however, the LLDA said prevailing cloudy conditions and elevated lake levels were generally less favorable for immediate algal growth, which typically thrives in warm, sunny, and stagnant conditions.

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The agency said warming waters can accelerate algal growth, which decomposes and consume dissolved oxygen in the water. The agency said dissolved oxygen levels below 5 milligrams per liter can already stress fish, while further depletion may result in fish kills. INQ