Ipo Dam, Gravity dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, Philippines.
Ipo Dam is a gravity structure in the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve near Norzagaray. It stretches 600 meters across the Angat River and rises 40 meters above the riverbed, with seven radial gates controlling water release.
The Metropolitan Water District completed the structure in 1938 as a new source for the region's growing water needs. A major upgrade in 1984 expanded its capacity to serve the expanding population of Metro Manila.
The name comes from the Tagalog word "ipon," meaning to gather or collect, reflecting how this structure brings water together for the region's population. Locals see it as essential to their daily water supply, and the reservoir area has become a gathering point for communities nearby.
The reservoir holds 7.5 million cubic meters of water for distribution to Metro Manila residents. The site offers viewing points along the structure, though facilities are more limited than typical tourist attractions.
Three intake structures connect to five aqueducts that channel water through the Novaliches Portal to La Mesa Dam downstream. This integrated system reveals how multiple dams work together to supply the entire metro area.
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