As the summer heat intensifies in Metro Manila, Manila Water Co. assured that the company is making preparations to meet the surging water demand.

In a statement on Friday, March 15, Manila Water said it has new facilities designed to serve approximately 7.6 million consumers in the eastern areas of Metro Manila.

These upgrades aim to ensure a reliable water supply during the upcoming hot season.

According to Manila Water, the Cardona Treatment Plant has been delivering around 110 million liters per day (MLD) to several Rizal towns and provinces. The water plant sources its water from Laguna Lake.

Another infrastructure utilizing the Laguna Lake is Manila Water’s East Bay Phase 1, which treats around 50 MLD of water.

The water at Tayabasan River in Antipolo City is also being treated by the concessionaire through the Calawis Water Treatment Plant, which produces a maximum of 80 MLD.

Since the recent decline in some major dams due to El Niño, Manila Water started looking for alternative sources like the Marikina Portable Treatment Plant which draws its source from the Marikina River.

Through this facility, 20 MLD of water is being produced as a supply substitute.

Another alternative is deep wells that are located near the concessionaire, which can increase supply up to 110 MLD if needed.

Meanwhile, Manila Water said that its water filtration and re-treatment methods have been upgraded, stating that “we have increased the efficiency of its backwash recovery systems in its East La Mesa Treatment Plant and Balara Treatment Plants from 30MLD to 40MLD. A third backwash recovery system is under construction at its Cardona Treatment Plant.”

Other concerns, such as maintenance works, will be addressed as the concessionaire pushes for stricter readiness checks of water lines, equipment, line boosters, and valve regulation.

“This regular system monitoring of the water network helps the water company keep its non-revenue water [NRW] in check, or under 15 percent, as The World Bank standard for water losses is at 25 percent,” Manila Water said.

The company’s NRW rate continues to be one of Asia’s lowest water losses, which means illegal connections and leaks are lesser than in other areas.

“In partnership with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System [MWSS], Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR], and the National Water Resources Board [NWRB] among other agencies, we continue its relentless drive and call for the responsible and wise use of water especially as the levels of the dams continue to decline,” Manila Water added.

The water level in Angat Dam as of Friday is 202.06 meters, which is 0.22 meter lower than Thursday’s level. Ipo Dam, on the other hand, decreased by 0.5 meter or at 99.59 meters.

“While the current dam level is still above the operating level of 180 meters, we urge the public to report leaks and practice water reuse and recycling within the household.”