Enrique K. Razon Jr.-led Manila Water Co. Inc. said it has strengthened system-wide preparations to ensure uninterrupted water supply across its east zone concession area ahead of the anticipated “super” El Niño.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 26, the east zone concessionaire said it had already implemented operational, infrastructure, and customer engagement measures even before the expected dry spell was officially declared.

The company said the preparations are aimed at maintaining supply resilience amid prolonged periods of reduced rainfall and possible pressure on traditional water sources.

As part of its strategy, Manila Water continues to diversify its water sources to reduce dependence on Angat Dam, which typically experiences significant reductions in water levels during dry seasons.

Among the company’s key alternative raw water sources are Upper Wawa Dam and Tayabasan Weir, both exclusively managed and utilized by Manila Water. Combined, the two facilities can supply up to 710 million liters per day (MLD).

Additional supply augmentation comes from Calawis water supply system phase one, which has a capacity of up to 80 MLD, and Cardona water treatment plant, which can supply up to 110 MLD.

Meanwhile, East Bay phase one treatment plant contributes up to 50 MLD.

The Cardona and East Bay facilities source raw water from Laguna Lake, helping strengthen supply diversification and resilience, particularly in rapidly growing service areas such as Antipolo City in Rizal province.

The company said tens of thousands of residents in these areas have already benefited from improved water availability.

To reinforce system reliability, Manila Water said it continues to maintain and inspect its 5,686.75 kilometers (km) of pipeline infrastructure across its concession area as of March 2026.

The company added that regular inspection, maintenance, and system optimization are being conducted to minimize service disruptions during peak dry conditions.

Manila Water also highlighted investments in technologies designed to maximize existing water resources, including backwash water recovery systems in its Balara, East La Mesa, and Cardona treatment plants.

The technology allows water used in filtration processes to be reused, helping stretch production capacity without compromising water quality.

As of March this year, Manila Water said it maintained non-revenue water (NRW) at 13.92 percent, among the lowest in Asia, supported by intensified leak detection and rapid response capabilities.

These include smart monitoring technologies and prompt response systems that allow the company to quickly identify and repair leaks, reducing water losses and preserving available supply.

Operational readiness measures also include year-round inspection and optimization of pumping stations, as well as standby generator sets across key facilities.

According to Manila Water, these measures are crucial in ensuring uninterrupted water production and distribution amid recent power supply interruptions affecting Luzon grid.

Beyond infrastructure measures, the company said it continues to encourage responsible water use through its #WaterWais campaign and community-based programs such as Lakbayan and Salin program.

These initiatives aim to promote long-term water stewardship among households, communities, and partner institutions.

Manila Water said it now serves more than 7.9 million individuals across the east zone and remains committed to providing reliable and sustainable water services despite challenging climate conditions.