MWSS to water firms: Strictly observe published service interruptions

Water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services implement rotational water service interruptions in their respective jurisdictions as the National Water Resources Board reduced allotment to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, which allocates supply to water firms, amid receding water in Angat Dam. INQUIRER.net/Katherine G. Adraneda

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has pressed Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services to strictly follow their published schedule of water service interruptions.

This, as the MWSS Regulatory Office warned water companies that they may be slapped with penalties if they implement service disruption outside their announced schedule as such act is a violation of their concession agreement.

“The MWSS RO will consider any period of actual water service interruption, which takes place outside the schedule announced by the two concessionaires, as not having been the subject of proper notice to the customers,” MWSS RO chief Patrick Ty said in a statement on Thursday.

“Should non-adherence continue, this may constitute as a violation of the Concession Agreement, and the MWSS RO shall recommend the imposition of appropriate penalties,” he added.

According to Ty, Manila Water and Maynilad “are required to notify their customers of any planned service interruptions” under their concession agreement.

“While the two concessionaires may not be blamed for the current water supply situation […] water interruption schedules are well within their control, and for which they may be held accountable,” Ty pointed out.

The National Water Resources Board earlier announced it would reduce water allotment to MWSS from 44 cubic meters per second (cms) to 40 cms, as water level at Angat Dam continues to recede.

NWRB even said Tuesday that it might even lower its allocation to MWSS to 36 cms if Angat Dam’s water level breaches its 160-meter critical mark. The agency also said that if water in Angat Dam falls below 160 meters, rationing of water will be likely until rains fill up the reservoir again.

READ: NWRB may further reduce water allocation due to dwindling level in Angat

READ: NWRB readies measures should Angat Dam breaches 160 meter mark

NWRB Executive Director Dr. Sevillo David Jr. said water level at Angat Dam may reach 160 meters by the end of this week. Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration on Thursday showed water in Angat Dam was at 160.73 meters.

READ: NWRB: Angat Dam water level may hit ‘critical’ 160-meter mark this week

READ: Angat Dam water level nears critical mark

On Wednesday, Bayan Muna hit Manila Water after its customers decried hours – some even days – of waterless faucets even after its published scheduled disruptions.

READ: Bayan Muna slams Manila Water for new wave of water service interruptions

According to Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares, there were areas in Mandaluyong that had no water service for six days. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)