Laguna de Bay water level sinks further as El Niño persists

LUCENA CITY — Laguna de Bay's water level continued its downward slide, dipping to 11.84 meters on Thursday as El Niño conditions grip the region, according to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). The measurement represents a decline from 11.87 meters recorded the previous day, underscoring the mounting pressure on the country's largest freshwater lake. The LLDA has been tracking the daily fluctuations as part of its ongoing water resource monitoring. The persistent drop in water levels during El Niño years raises concerns for communities and industries dependent on the lake for irrigation, drinking water, and other essential uses. The situation mirrors patterns observed during previous El Niño episodes, when the lake experienced prolonged dry conditions. Authorities have not yet announced emergency measures, though the agency continues to monitor water levels closely as the dry season progresses.