MWSS asks Manila Water, Maynilad to explain unannounced service interruptions

June 21, 2019

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Friday asked Metro Manila water concessionaires to explain recent unannounced water service interruptions.

"We already sent them a letter asking them to give explanation and warning them that they should follow the schedules that they have announced since they are the once who gave those schedules," MWSS chief regulator Patrick Ty said in a radio interview over DZBB.

Ty said there were reports of unannounced water service interruption in the concession areas of Manila Water and Maynilad. He said the two concessionaires were not following the schedules that they have announced. 

He also added that both concessionaires were not ready with their contingency measures even though they knew the water level in Angat Dam has been going down in the past months. 

Ty said the "unacceptable" move by both concessionaires might be penalized by the MWSS. 

"We are studying what sanctions can be imposed because they can't suddenly cut the water supply," Ty said.

Ty said penalties will only be imposed if the problem will happen for at least 30 days. 

Both Manila Water and Maynilad started announcing schedules of water service interruptions after the National Water Resources Board ( NWRB) slashed water allocation for MWSS from 46 cubic meters per second to 40 cubic meters per second. 

The reduction in water allocation was caused by the decline of water level in the Angat Dam even as the state weather agency announced the onset of the rainy season. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS