Get ready to dig deeper into your wallets, as water rates in Metro Manila are set to increase in the first quarter of 2025.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) announced on Thursday, Dec. 12, that both Manila Water and Maynilad will implement rate hikes to maintain and improve water services.
Manila Water customers will see an increase of P7.58 per cubic meter (cm), raising the average rate to P76.91 per cm from the current P69.33.
Based on estimates, this translates to an average monthly bill of P254.83 for households consuming less than 10 cm, P563.46 for 20 cm, and P1,148.73 for 30 cm.
The affected areas include 23 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila and Rizal, such as Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, and parts of Quezon City and Manila.
Meanwhile, Maynilad customers will face an increase of P8.11 per cm, bringing the average rate to P76.17 per cm from P68.06.
Households consuming less than 10 cm will be charged an average of P181.59 per month, while those consuming 20 cm and 30 cm will see bills of P682.66 and P1,392.69, respectively.
The rate hike will impact customers in parts of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Manila, Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite.
Patrick Ty, MWSS chief regulator, explained that the adjustments are crucial to fund critical infrastructure projects and maintain service quality.
"If we don’t invest in here, we will not be able to maintain the quality of service to the consumers," Ty said.
“If you notice this year, we did not have a significant water service interruption because of Manila Water and Maynilad’s investment in new water sources, pipe replacements that reduce non-revenue water, and we would not be able to meet our wastewater requirement,” he added.