By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Manila Water Co. Inc. on Tuesday assured millions of consumers in Metro Manila’s East Zone and Rizal that they will continue to receive an uninterrupted water supply despite the worsening effects of El Niño and the continuing decline in Angat Dam’s water level.
Company officials said proactive investments in alternative water sources and new treatment facilities have significantly strengthened the utility’s capacity to maintain stable water distribution even during the peak of the dry season.
Speaking at a press briefing, Manila Water Chief Operating Officer Arnold Jether Mortera emphasized that no water service interruptions are expected across the company’s concession areas.
“There will be no water interruptions in the East Zone. At most, some elevated communities, particularly in Antipolo, may experience lower water pressure,” Mortera said.
He explained that any reduction in pressure would likely occur only during off-peak hours, between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., and would primarily affect areas located far from pumping stations.
To minimize the impact, Manila Water has installed 40 to 60 line boosters across its distribution network to maintain adequate water pressure for affected communities.
Unlike previous El Niño episodes when the company depended largely on Angat Dam, Manila Water now draws water from multiple sources, including the Wawa-Calawis Water Treatment Plant, Laguna Lake-Cardona Water Treatment Plant, and Laguna Lake-East Bay Treatment Plant Phase 1.
Mortera said these facilities provide sufficient supplemental supply even if allocations from Angat Dam are reduced.
The company is also expanding its water infrastructure, with the East Bay Treatment Plant Phase 2 expected to begin operations in September, followed by the Kaysakat Treatment Plant in October, further enhancing supply resilience.
Meanwhile, Manila Water Communications Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla encouraged customers to continue conserving water despite the company’s assurance of stable service.
He clarified that any temporary water interruptions experienced by customers are part of scheduled maintenance activities and are not connected to the declining water level at Angat Dam.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the water elevation at Angat Dam dropped to 157.64 meters as of Tuesday morning—below the critical 160-meter level and more than 22 meters below its normal minimum operating level of 180 meters.
Despite the reduced reservoir level, Manila Water expressed confidence that its diversified water supply system and ongoing infrastructure projects will enable it to continue delivering reliable, round-the-clock water service to customers in Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, parts of Quezon City, and several municipalities in Rizal.
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