Metro water firms reduce system losses

MANILA, Philippines –  West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc.’s non-revenue water (NRW) remained at 51 percent as of the end of 2010 while East Zone concessionaire Manila Water’s was at 11 percent.

Maynilad, which is owned and managed by DMCI-MPIC Water Co. Inc. (DMWCI), a joint venture between Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and DMCI Holdings, Inc. (DMCIHI), has already spent P19.7 billion to repair, replace and decommission old leaky pipes.

Ayala-led Manila Water, on the other hand, has reduced system losses from a high of 63 percent in 1997 to an all-time low of 11 percent in 2010.

Maynilad assured, however, that its NRW of 51 percent as of end 2010 is already a big reduction from the 68-percent NRW it inherited when it acquired the concession.

Maynilad claims that it has repaired approximately 40,000 leaks to recover 200 million liters of water per day just last year (2010) alone.

East Zone water utility concessionaire Manila Water has also been able to expand its 24/7 water availability to 99 percent from only 26 percent in 1997, servicing more customers in eastern Metro Manila and several towns in Rizal.

Likewise, Manila Water’s wastewater coverage has also reached a wider 16 percent coverage from only three percent, thus benefiting over 6.1 million Filipinos to date.

Maynilad still has to provide figures on its water service availability and coverage.

However, Maynilad reported that its La Mesa water treatment plants (WTPs) successfully passed the most recent surveillance review of its Integrated Management System (IMS).

According to Maynilad, the IMS certification confirms that the two water treatment plants’ systems and procedures in Quality Management (ISO 9001:2008), Environment Management (ISO 14001:2004) and Occupational Safety and Health Management (OHSAS 18001:2007) meet stringent, international standards.

The audit was conducted by independent auditing body TUV SUD PSB Philippines Inc.

Maynilad serves 17 cities and municipalities in the West Zone.

 Manila Water, for its part, said it has spent since1997 P40 billion to improve the water and wastewater infrastructure in the East Zone. This includes expenditures for the combined sewer and drainage system in managing and treating domestic wastewater.