MWSS vows to solve water problem within 150 days

March 17, 2019

Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Administrator Reynaldo Velasco on Friday assured that they would solve the water problem in some parts of Metro Manila within 150 days.

“In compliance to the marching orders of President Rodrigo Duterte to solve the water shortage in 150 days, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System met today (Friday) with top officials of Manila Water and Maynilad to address promptly the nagging problem of distribution to affected areas in Metro Manila,” Velasco said in a statement.

“We wish to assure the President that MWSS is doing its best to solve the water shortage problems and we are putting to task Manila Water to give us a definitive timeline of solving their distribution and operations systems to bring back to normal level that water supply to ease the suffering of the consuming public,” he said.

In a special board meeting, Velasco presented six short-term and long term measures to address the water shortage in the East Zone area being operated by the Manila Water which has water supply shortfall of 150 million liters daily from its allocation of 1,600 MLD from Angat Dam due to increase in population and demand of consumers.

According to MWSS, National Water Resources Board approved their request allowing Manila Water to activate 101 deep wells which could supply 101 MLD to its consumer.

Another measure is the water sharing through cross border flow of the Maynilad and Manila Waters. Maynilad would initially provide additional 20 MLD to Manila Water’s supply this month and full 50 MLD by April.

Maynilad would also give additional 10 MLD of their raw water allocation from the portal.

The MWSS also directed Manila Water to activate and operationalize its Cardona, Rizal treatment plant which was originally operational in October 2018 to provide additional 100 MLD to its consumers.

Also, the local government unit is providing 38 water tankers to help areas badly hit by the water shortage.

Last measure is the offer of San Miguel Corporation to share 140 MLD untapped water from their Bulacan Bulk Water.

“San Miguel Corportation’s Bulacan Bulk Water through its President Ramon S. Ang has stepped in to help ease the plight of affected consumers in Metro Manila by providing potable water through deliveries of trucks to affected communities using its untapped 140 MLD in coordination with MWSS and LGUs,” said Velasco.

The MWSS administrator reiterated that short and long term solutions for Metro Manila’s water supply demand are now in place and on pace under the Duterte administration to provide enough and sufficient water to supply the future needs of the 20 million residents in metropolis and nearby provinces serviced by its three concessionaires in the next 10 to 15 years.

After a week, some areas in Pasig and Mandaluyong now have water supply.

“It may take more time for water to reach elevated areas. Please bear with us as we work to restore normal water supply,” said Manila Water.

Last Friday, Duterte warned the concerned agencies that he would hold accountable officers if they would fail to comply with his order to address the water crisis and provide water "good for 150 days" for those affected areas.

Customers of Manila Water were the ones affected by the water shortage, while consumers of Maynilad have not been experiencing water supply interruptions. Ella Dionisio/DMS