By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Manila Water Co. Inc. is accelerating the completion of two major water treatment plants that will add 420 million liters per day (MLD) to its supply network, as the company prepares for the impact of the looming El Niño and the continued decline in water levels at Angat Dam.
Company Chief Operating Officer Arnold Mortera said the projects are part of Manila Water’s strategy to diversify its water sources and reduce dependence on Angat Dam, which remains Metro Manila’s principal reservoir.
“We may experience a slight reduction in water allocation from Angat, but our supplementary sources and the activation of two new treatment plants in the fourth quarter will help stabilize supply,” Mortera said during a media briefing on Tuesday.
The company expects to complete the second phase of the East Bay Water Treatment Plant in September, increasing production by 200 MLD. The facility, which draws raw water from Laguna de Bay, is expected to supply around two million residents in Pasig, Pateros, Taguig and nearby communities while complementing water sourced from the Upper Wawa Dam.
Another key project, the Kaysakat Water Treatment Plant, is scheduled to become operational in October. It will contribute an additional 220 MLD, benefiting consumers in Antipolo City and neighboring municipalities in Rizal.
Once both facilities are online, Manila Water’s supplemental water sources will account for approximately 40 percent of the east zone’s total water demand, significantly strengthening supply resilience during prolonged dry spells.
The expansion comes as the National Water Resources Board reduced Angat Dam’s allocation from 52 cubic meters per second (CMS) to 48 CMS after reservoir levels dropped below the critical threshold.
Despite the reduced allocation, Mortera assured customers that the company does not anticipate service interruptions.
“The worst-case scenario would only be lower water pressure in some areas, and this will be managed during off-peak hours, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.,” he said.
Manila Water provides water services to Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, Pateros, portions of Quezon City, and several municipalities in Rizal, where millions of consumers are expected to benefit from the expanded supply capacity.
ia/xf
