Manila Water Bolsters Water Security in East Zone with Robust Contingency Assets

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Water continues to reinforce water supply security across its East Zone concession area through a comprehensive network of contingency assets designed to sustain reliable water service amid changing weather patterns, increased demand, and other operational challenges. As part of its water supply resiliency strategy, Manila Water maintains a diverse portfolio of alternative water sources, backup facilities, mobile assets, and network interconnections that can be activated to help ensure service continuity during emergencies, maintenance activities, or periods of constrained raw water availability. Among these contingency measures are the recovery of backwash water from the Balara Treatment Plants, which can provide up to 40 million liters per day (MLD), the Marikina Portable Treatment Plant with a capacity of 15 MLD as well as the Luzon Water Treatment Plant, which contributes an additional 20 MLD to the system. The company also maintains an extensive network of standby deep well facilities capable of supplying between 50 and 118 MLD, which can be tapped when needed. At the Alat Reservoir, Manila Water maintains operational rain catchers that can potentially add 10 MLD to the distribution system. READ: Beyond Angat: Manila Water better prepared than ever for strong El Niño To support operational flexibility across its network, Manila Water has deployed 40 line boosters and maintains 12 standby units that help sustain adequate pressure and distribution in strategic areas, particularly during periods of fluctuating demand. The company likewise ensures uninterrupted operations through alternative power supply systems that can be activated during power interruptions. “Our commitment to water security goes beyond developing new water sources. We have invested in multiple layers of contingency measures that allow us to respond quickly to operational disruptions while maintaining dependable service for our customers,” Manila Water’s Corporate Communications Group Head Dittie Galang said. In addition to contingency assets, Manila Water continuously enhances system resilience through the optimization of existing water sources, interconnection of water supply networks, and development of new water supply projects. These initiatives enable the company to maximize available resources and strengthen its ability to address future water supply challenges. The company also advances demand-side measures such as maintaining non-revenue water below 15%, maintaining adequate water pressure, and promoting responsible water use among customers. Through a combination of infrastructure investments, operational preparedness, and diversified water supply sources, Manila Water remains committed to safeguarding water availability and supporting the long-term water needs of nearly eight million customers across its service area.