Maynilad Scales Up El Niño Preparations Amid Angat Dam Water Level Concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Maynilad Water Services Inc., the water concessionaire for Metro Manila’s West Zone, is scaling up preparations for the incoming El Niño weather phenomenon as Angat Dam, its primary source, has dropped below its critical level of 160 meters. Despite water supply remaining stable for the capital region, Maynilad stated it would continue to coordinate with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), National Water Resources Board (NWRC), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on potential responses to declining Angat levels. The company added that improvements to its Laguna Lake treatment capacity would also enhance its readiness for El Niño. The treatment facilities, comprising the Putatan and Poblacion Water Treatment Plants, each have a capacity of 150 million liters per day (MLD), totaling 450 MLD. Furthermore, Maynilad has increased its total water treatment capacity to 2,873 MLD through additional treatment facilities and supply augmentation projects, including modular treatment plants, new water facilities, and deep wells. A new water facility in Pasay could augment potable recycled water availability by adding 12 MLD to its existing water facilities in Parañaque and Valenzuela. Its total reservoir capacity is set to reach 1,020 million liters following the completion of the 40-million-liter Parada Reservoir and the 200-million-liter La Mesa raw water reservoir. Maynilad also highlighted that its non-revenue water (NRW) reduction program could bolster El Niño readiness. As of the first quarter, the company saw its average NRW down to 32 percent, while its period-end NRW stood at 30.7 percent. “Maynilad recognizes the concern over the continued decline in Angat Dam levels and the possible effects of El Niño. We have been preparing for these circumstances since previous El Niño episodes, particularly in 2019, when Angat Dam dropped to its historical low level,” said Maynilad COO Christopher Jaime Lichauco. “Angat Dam remains our main raw water source, but we now have more supplemental sources, lower water losses, expanded storage, and improved network management capabilities to help manage tighter raw water conditions,” Lichauco added. Angat Dam levels have dropped to 159.9 meters, breaching its 160-meter critical level, according to PAGASA as of July 1, causing concern for Metro Manila residents ahead of the El Niño weather event.