Beginning April, Maynilad’s raw water allocation will be cut by around 10%, from 2400 million liters per day (MLD) to 2150 MLD, to manage the steadily decreasing water supply in Angat Dam.
From 201.12 meters on February 1, water level in Metro Manila’s main water source had receded to around 181meters this month, due to high temperatures and the persistent lack of rain in the area. By the end of April, water level in Angat is expected to reach 176 meters, the lowest since 2004.
The raw water reduction this month will likely result in lowered water pressure (2-5 psi from normal pressure) and shortened water supply schedules in more portions of the West Zone.
From February to March, only 1-2% of Maynilad customers were affected by El Nino, as a result of the mitigating measures initiated by the water concessionaire. With the recent 250 MLD reduction and the historically high water consumption levels during summer, Maynilad is estimating that 156 barangays or around 8% of their customer base will experience the impact of the raw water supply cutback.
To minimize the projected impact, Maynilad will continue with its valving operations and re-setting of pressure reducing valves (PRVs). The water company will also optimize the use of its pumping stations, reservoirs, mini-boosters and in-line boosters to manage the existing supply in their distribution system. Nearly 30 deepwells are also on standby should their reactivation become necessary.
In preparation for May and June when the full impact of El Nino is expected to be felt on the West Zone’s water supply, Maynilad has also acquired and refurbished 15 stationary water tanks and 20 water tankers to serve those areas that are expected to have less than six hours of water supply.
Maynilad serves over 7 million customers in Metro Manila and parts of Cavite. Its concession area includes the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres & Sta Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the Districts of the Holy Spirit & Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Hi-way), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila, and the municipalities of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite Province.