Manila Water pushes for water security

MANILA, Philippines — Concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. has emphasized the need for water security in the country through its water supply contingency and augmentation plans to support the government’s efforts in developing water sources and actively promoting responsible use of water.

Manila Water president and CEO Jocot de Dios said the East Zone water concessionaire continues to work toward water security.

“Water security is at the core of our operations, not only during summer months when we contend with Angat Dam’s lower-than-projected levels while ensuring our customers do not experience interrupted supply, but all year round to achieve our water supply sustainability targets,” De Dios said.

As early as January, government agencies such as the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) urged the public to conserve water as the Angat Dam ended 2021 with lower than expected water levels.

Latest data from PAGASA showed Angat Dam’s reservoir water level stood at 190.85 meters as of Friday morning, lower than the normal high level of 212 meters.

De Dios said Manila Water continues to closely work with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the NWRB in developing new water sources even as the agencies have approved the implementation of the much-needed interim additional sources especially as the summer peaks.

These include the maximization of the 100 million-liter-per-day (MLD) capacity of the Cardona Water Treatment Plant, which draws water from Laguna Lake; operation of deep wells that can provide additional 115 MLD; and operation of the 20-MLD Marikina Portable Water Treatment Plant, which can treat water from the Marikina River.

The MWSS and its Board approved the projects, while NWRB allowed Manila Water to harness groundwater through deep wells as part of their contingency and augmentation measures while waiting for long-term water sources.

Manila Water is set to implement operational adjustments, such as backwash recovery or re-treating the wastewater byproduct of the water treatment process while ensuring the efficiency of its network distribution, maximizing its distribution reservoirs and operating line boosters so that water supply continues to reach elevated and far-flung areas of the concession.

The concessionaire added that it is also eyeing to harness additional inflows to the La Mesa Reservoir from the nearby Alat Dam.

It is also advocating responsible use of water to support Oplan Tubig Para sa Kinabukasan, a collaborative project initiated by the Metro Manila Development Authority, NWRB, MWSS, with the two water franchisees.

Manila Water holds activities that help remind users of the value of the wise use of water in line with this advocacy,.

“Implementing water supply contingency measures, tapping into additional water sources, and promoting responsible use of water, while working with the concerned agencies as well as partners, are part of Manila Water’s holistic effort in working for lasting water security,” Manila Water said.

Manila Water serves the east zone, covering parts of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, Quezon City, portions of Manila as well as several towns in Rizal.

Last year, the company signed a revised concession agreement with the MWSS, which allows it to serve the east zone until 2037.