Maynilad intensifies El Niño mitigating measures

MANILA, Philippines - Recent reductions in its raw water allocation have prompted Maynilad Water Services, Inc. to intensify its mitigating measures this month, as the company appeals for understanding from its affected customers, as it conducts system adjustments to manage reduced supply.

Based on the water company’s continuous monitoring of service levels and customer feedback, more West Zone customers are beginning to experience reduced water pressure and shortened water supply schedules. Most affected are high areas in Quezon City and Valenzuela City.

Since yesterday, Maynilad has reactivated two deepwells to augment water supply in over 500 households in Bagong Silang, North Caloocan and Sta. Quiteria, Quezon City. Additional deepwells are also on standby for immediate reactivation.

To supplement the low water supply in Roosevelt, Fairview and Valenzuela City, Maynilad deployed 14 water tankers to these areas. Maynilad is prepared to deploy additional tankers should more areas become affected.

Static water tanks will also be installed by Maynilad in the coming days in St. Dominic Subdivision and Barangay Silangan in Commonwealth, Quezon City. Due to an ongoing service improvement project in Mindanao Ave., water supply delivery in the said areas had to be reconfigured, significantly affecting the supply. The project is expected to be completed by the second week of May, in which time supply is expected to improve. 

Boosting Maynilad’s efforts to mitigate the impact of El Niño is the recent extension of the 60-day suspension of all regulations, ordinances, or other issuances restricting them from conducting immediate leak repairs in the West Zone. The moratorium was approved by President Arroyo on March 29, and will remain in effect until June 30, 2010.

Since the moratorium was first implemented in February, Maynilad was able to repair 7,694 leaks, recovering 57 million liters per day (MLD) of water. Around 50,000 households benefited from the intensified leak repair drive. With the approved extension, Maynilad hopes to recover even more water for reallocation to its El Niño- affected customers.

“Our customers have become more vigilant in reporting leaks to our Maynilad Hotline 1626 since the moratorium was first issued, and we would like to thank them for their cooperation. We hope they will continue to work closely with us in identifying leaks and illegal connections in our concession area.” said Cherubim Ocampo, corporate affairs and public relations head of Maynilad.