Maynilad customers in Imus to get refund

MANILA, Philippines — Almost 3,500 customers of Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) in Imus, Cavite will each receive over P1,000 in refund after the government penalized the West Zone concessionaire for water quality failure late last year.

The Metropolitan Water Works and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) slapped a P3.921-million fine on the water utility firm for the 37-day water quality failure from Dec. 19, 2023 to Jan. 24, 2024 in the supply zone of its Anabu modular treatment plant.

The water quality failure affected 3,494 water service connections in Imus. Each affected customer will receive a rebate of P1,112.37 spread over the succeeding months beginning with their July billing.

“We want the benefit to be given to the customers who are affected by the poor water quality. They should be given the compensation to recoup what they have spent,” MWSS chief regulator Patrick Ty said yesterday.

The MWSS-RO investigation stemmed from a complaint that it received on Dec. 19 regarding poor quality of water in the concerned area, such as color in water and high chlorine content.

Based on its analysis, MWSS-RO determined that the water quality during the 37-day period was not safe to drink, had color and had residual chlorine that is below the set standards by the government.

“Water should be colorless, odorless and tasteless. It should be potable,” Ty said.

The MWSS-RO noted that both low and high levels of residual chlorine in water could result in quality issues and may have potential health concerns.

Color in water indicates the presence of contaminants such as minerals, sediments or organic matter that could suggest issues with the treatment operations or the delivery pipes, thus requiring corrective measures, according to the regulatory agency.

In an earlier statement, Maynilad assured its customers that it has addressed and resolved the water quality problem already.

“We have implemented enhanced process interventions, including intensified pipe flushing, accelerated pipe replacements and expedited leak repairs and closure of illegal connections,” it said.

Maynilad said it remains committed in providing the “highest” quality water and assured its clientele that it would undertake “proactive” measures to ensure the reliability and safety of its water services.

The firm said it continues to work closely with the MWSS-RO and the Department of Health in monitoring the quality of its water supply.

“The health and safety of our customers and the integrity of our water supply remains our top priorities,” the company said.