MWSS: Water crisis looms in parts of Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Some parts of Metro Manila and nearby areas will have a water crisis similar to the 2019 shortage if Kaliwa Dam does not come on stream after 2027, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said in a recent forum.

MWSS chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty said among the new water source projects in the pipeline, the 600-MLD Kaliwa Dam is most crucial in ensuring the steady supply of water, particularly in the concession area of the Pangilinan-led Maynilad Water Services Inc. in the west zone.

This area covers Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, parts of Quezon City, portions of Manila, parts of Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa as well as Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Rosario and Noveleta in Cavite.

“After 2027, if Kaliwa Dam is not delivered, we have a problem,” Ty said at the recent Water Talks, a forum on available best practices in water technology, held at Manila House in Taguig last week.

The scenario that could happen is a repeat of the 2019 water shortage when large parts of the east zone area under Ayala-led Manila Water experienced water interruptions or no continuous water for 24 hours.

Taps ran dry for over two weeks as the water level at La Mesa Dam plummeted to its lowest in 21 years due to a dry spell at the time.

Affected were the areas of Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Makati as well as parts of Quezon City and Manila.

If the Kaliwa Dam is delayed further beyond 2027, Ty said the concessionaires would have to look into other water sources, which are band-aid solutions.

The MWSS is pushing for the development of the controversial New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project.

The Kaliwa and Laiban Dam projects of the national government are meant to address the looming water crisis in Metro Manila and other areas. Opponents say it will displace communities and destroy the watershed.