Manila Water beefs up preparations for Super Typhoon Mawar

A Manila Water employee conducting equipment assessment in preparation for the arrival of super typhoon Mawar in the Philippines. Manila Water has started necessary preparations and placed safety and contingency measures to all its facilities to mitigate the possible effects of the typhoon while maintaining service continuity to its customers.

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Water, the East Zone concessionaire, has initiated necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted services as Super Typhoon Mawar, locally known as Betty, approaches the Philippines.

The weather disturbance is projected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

READ: Mawar strengthens into super typhoon again, says Pagasa

Manila Water has directed all operations teams to undertake proactive measures to safeguard continuous water supply and minimize potential damage to its facilities in worst-case scenarios.

Employees responsible for managing the company’s facilities, including water and wastewater treatment plants, common-purpose facilities, service areas, and other offices, have been instructed to continuously monitor weather advisories and government announcements.

They are also tasked with identifying hazards such as windows, towers, antennas, and other structures that strong winds and heavy rainfall could compromise.

Additionally, they must ensure equipment and system backups and maintain ample stocks of fuel, batteries, medical and first-aid supplies, food, and other essentials for emergencies.

Each facility is equipped with generator sets undergoing performance assessments and repairs as necessary to ensure uninterrupted operations during power outages. Dewatering pumps and sandbags are being readied for deployment in the event of facility flooding.

Monitoring of dam levels and other activities at water sources and water quality sampling will continue. Service areas have been advised to coordinate with their respective local government units (LGUs) regarding siphoning and evacuation areas and any required assistance from the LGU.

All service improvement, infrastructure, and network enhancement projects will be temporarily suspended.

Mobile treatment plants, water tankers, static water tanks, and desludging tanks are on standby for immediate deployment if needed.

“Ensuring the continuity of water service during emergencies and disasters is paramount to valuing and safeguarding lives. In addition to these preparations, rest assured that we are diligently collaborating with the government to provide all possible assistance in mitigating and minimizing the anticipated effects of the approaching typhoon,” said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director.

Manila Water also urges customers to report any water service issues encountered in their homes or communities by calling the Manila Water Customer Service Hotline at 1627.

RELATED STORY:

Super Typhoon Mawar may whip up monsoon rain in Luzon, Visayas next week

JPV/abc