Water firm probing Tondo contamination

Maynilad Water Services Inc. yesterday deployed water tankers to ration water in at least six streets affected by the disease outbreak in Tondo even as as it continues to investigate the contamination of water in the area.

In an emergency meeting held yesterday morning, the Maynilad’s Crisis Management Team (CMT) mapped out measures to effectively contain the outbreak and put an end to it as soon as possible.

Maynilad president Rafael Alunan III,said that on top of the 16 water tankers that would ration water in the affected areas, other initiatives include the improvement of water pressure to flush out contaminants in portions of the water network affected by illegal water connections and water pumps; deployment of five mobile chlorinators to neutralize suspected contaminants, and round-the-clock monitoring of water quality; disconnection of illegal connections; and immediate repair of 235 leaks caused by illegal connections.

Maynilad’s plan of action is being backed up by the local government of Manila, Western Police District and the Department of Health (DOH).

At noon, Maynilad’s CMT conducted an on-site inspection while Maynilad quality control personnel conducted interviews with some victims confined at the Mary Johnston Hospital.

The interviews revealed that victims drank bottled water drawn from a refilling station, which is now being investigated as a possible source of the contamination, Maynilad said.

A command post manned by both Maynilad and Manila City Hall personnel has been made operational in the affected areas.

"Maynilad is very concerned about this unfortunate incident and expresses its sincerest sympathy to the families who have been affected. The company stands by its obligations as spelled out under its concession agreement with the government," Alunan said. "Maynilad is watching the Tondo situation very carefully. Maynilad takes this opportunity to assure its customers that its water is chlorinated and potable throughout the network and exceeds Philippine and international standards for drinking water."

According to Maynilad, the Tondo Foreshore Area was developed by the National Housing Authority as a low-cost residential area around 30 years ago on reclaimed land that was used as a dumping ground for garbage.

Former Public Works minister and MWSS administrator Aber Canlas, now a consultant of Maynilad, said that the water pipes used were substandard PVC pipes and Polybutylene tubings.

This, the water utility said, is suspected to be a major cause for the loss of water supply and pressure, prompting residents to instead resort to illegal connections and water pumps, which ultimately suck contaminants into the water system.

Included in the coverage of the Maynilad water services is the western portion of Greater Metro Manila area.