Manila Water is pushing for the development of new water sources, with the continuing increase of population and demand, and the effects of climate change on Angat Dam – Metro Manila’s main water source. The organisation banks on its 5-year Service Improvement Plan to ensure water security which includes building vital infrastructure in alternate water sources such as Laguna Lake, among other efforts.
WD News: Manila Water is aiming to provide a 24/7 water supply to the current 7.4 million residents of eastern Metro Manila and Rizal Province in Indonesia. Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Manila Water was supplying uninterrupted supply not only to residences but also to important public services institutions like hospitals and healthcare centres, despite a majority of its raw water source coming from the almost 50-year-old Angat Dam.
With an annual water demand increasing at 3% and the need for an additional supply of 15% during peak summer months, new water sources must be developed to ensure the continuity of 24/7 service and not be reliant on Angat Dam, as per the company sources.
Manila Water’s service improvement plan aims to achieve water security for the coming five years beginning 2023 to 2027. Other parts of this plan are service continuity, service accessibility, and environmental sustainability. “The population of East Zone and Rizal Province continues to grow at an annual rate of 2-3%. Manila Water is earmarking P181 billion for the five-year plan, of which P105 billion are allotted for its capital expenditure program,” shared Manila Water President and CEO Jocot De Dios.
With climate change heavily impacting water sources and supply, Manila Water has begun tapping Laguna Lake as an alternative source of water for its customers. It has completed the Cardona Water Treatment Plant, drawing water from the central portion of the lake, with a capacity of 100 million litres per day. The Laguna Lake Water System includes tapping the eastern portion of the lake called the East Bay Water Supply Project Phases 1 and 2 with a total capacity of 250 MLD. Construction of the Antipolo Water System is also underway with the Wawa Calawis Water Supply Project, Phase 1 of which will provide an initial 80 MLD and an additional 438 MLD expected to be completed in 2025. Manila Water coordinates with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage for the Sumag River Diversion Project and Umiray-AngatTransbasin Rehabilitation Project which are designed to provide additional water to the Angat water system.
For the 24/7 water supply project, services must continue even if there are natural calamities and disasters. Retrofitting and ensuring the structural integrity of facilities are vital components of projects. Regular rehabilitation of mainlines, installation of redundant water lines as well as the construction of emergency reservoirs across the concession will ensure that the impacts of a big earthquake on the water supply will be mitigated.
Programs designed to promote environmental sustainability include the construction of wastewater treatment facilities compliant with new standards on biological nutrient removal as well as the laying of sewer networks to ensure that wastewater undergoes proper treatment before it is discharged back into receiving water bodies.
Source & Image Courtesy: Manila Water
