Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has recovered approximately 560,000 cubic meters of potable water lost due to illegal connections—enough to meet the daily needs of around 3,500 customers.
In a statement, the West Zone concessionaire said that this recovery occurred within the first eight months of the year and resulted from unauthorized connections, tampered meters, and unregistered lines.
At end-August, Maynilad conducted 6,900 anti-illegal operations targeting these issues across its service area. The initiative generated P62 million in revenue, as violators were required to pay penalties and reconnect legally to the water network.
Maynilad said that eliminating these illegal connections has improved water supply availability and enhanced water pressure for its paying customers. Christopher J. Lichauco, Maynilad head of customer experience and retail operations, stated that this initiative also ensures compliance and fairness for all customers.
“Our efforts to crack down on illegal water connections not only prevent the possible entry of contaminants in the system but also ensure that all customers receive their fair share of the water supply,” he said.
The concessionaire also commended local government units (LGUs) involved in the crackdown, as they were able to assist in enforcing the anti-illegal water campaign.
“Since 2016, Maynilad has successfully closed nearly 25,000 illegal water service connections, reducing losses and improving service delivery to legitimate customers,” the water company reported.
According to Maynilad, the anti-illegal connection initiative reflects its Non-Revenue Water (NRW) program that targets lower physical and commercial losses brought by pipe leaks, water theft, and unregistered consumption.
Furthermore, around 92 percent of water losses in the Western part of Metro Manila are from physical losses, while the remaining 8 percent came from commercial losses.
Maynilad continues to serve as the largest private water concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in terms of customer reach.
The company currently provides water services to parts of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, parts of Cavite, Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, and Cavite Province.