As El Niño continues to affect the Philippines and temperatures rise this summer, Razon-led concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. has put in place its mitigation plan to secure a reliable water supply for other service areas.
The water firm’s subsidiary, Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) announced the 2024 El Niño mitigation plan in its business units– Bulakan Water, Obando Water, South Luzon Water, Laguna Water, and Calbayog Water.
According to MWPV, these mitigation initiatives would optimize the network influence areas and utilize reservoirs, use specific operations that based on supply and demand, and explore and develop new water sources.
The MWPV also said water tankers are ready to provide additional supply in case El Niño persists, as well as augmentation measures like static tank installation and interconnectivity network lines.
Subsequently, deep wells and in-line boosters are on standby as well as the optimization of the backwash recovery program in the water treatment plants, depending on the situation.
Melvin John Tan, chief operating officer of the Manila Water Non-East Zone assured that the company is bracing for the effects of the dry season, and is ready to meet the consumer’s water demand.
“Since the onset of El Niño last year, we have been proactive in applying effective measures to make sure that water service will continue despite challenges. As the phenomenon continues to take effect in the coming months, we assure our customers that we will remain hands-on in adopting strategies to enhance resiliency of our water sources and facilities,” he said.
Prior to the summer season, the business units have already done Non-Revenue Water (NRW) recovery programs, network improvement projects, deep well & surface water performance monitoring and rehabilitation, pressure management recovery, and preventive maintenance and facility management.
These activities are said to enhance Manila Water’s services to households, and other facilities within the areas.
The Department of Science and Technology - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) has reported that Bulacan, Batangas, Laguna, Pangasinan, and Eastern Samar are the areas heavily affected by the prolonged dry spell.
About 48 other provinces will also experience the heat impact, as PAGASA believes that 6 more provinces will feel the intensified heat sometime in May.