The water situation in Metro Manila has greatly improved, the two water concessionaires said yesterday, as the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) announced that it would increase allocation for the metropolis now that Angat Dam has reached its normal level.
Manila Water claimed that 99% of its 6mn customers now enjoy uninterrupted service at seven pounds per square inch pressure, which means that water supply reaches only the ground floor.
On the other hand, Maynilad, which services nearly 8mn people, said water supply had been fully restored in 94% of its concession area in the west zone.
Those areas where water service remains interrupted may normalise next month when the allocation for the two water concessionaires is further increased.
Manila Water services the cities of Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Makati and parts of Quezon City and Manila. It also serves Antipolo City and the Rizal towns of Angono, Baras, Binagonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jala-Jala, Morong, Pililla, Rodriquez, Tanay, Taytay and San Mateo.
Meanwhile, Maynilad Water services the cities of Manila, Pasay, Paranaque, Caloocan, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Valenzuela and parts of Makati and Quezon City.
With Angat Dam’s rising level, NWRB director Sevillo David, Jr told Manila Times that water allocation for Metro Manila would be increased to 40 cubic metres per second from 36 cms starting September 1. Water supply for irrigation, which was suspended in May, would also be reinstated to 30 cms.
The NWRB reduced the water supply for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, which splits the allocation between Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services Inc. when Angat breached its critical low level on June 22, prompting water concessionaires to implement scheduled water interruptions. Despite the looming allotment increase, Manila Water Corporate Strategic Affairs Group head Jeric Sevilla Jr said the company would continue to manage supply.
“We need to prepare for summer of next year since the Angat year-end level of 212 to 214 metres is still far from the current level of 181.33 metres as of today,” Sevilla said in a text message to Manila Times.
“We will be maximising our Cardona Water Treatment Plant and rehabilitate and develop more deepwells,” he added.
The Cardona facility, which draws water from the central portion of Laguna Lake, has produced 70.89mn litres per day since August.
Maynilad corporate communications head Jennifer Rufo confirmed that the firm’s service had improved.
As of 6am yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration recorded Angat’s elevation at 180.75 metres, almost a metre higher than its normal operations level of 180 metres.