Manila Water maintains low NRW via intensified leak detection, quick response

Manila Water manages to keep its non-revenue water (NRW) below 15% thanks to its intensified leak detection and quick response. All repairs were done within 24 hours to minimize disruptions to the customers’ daily activities. In December 2023 alone, the company was able to address 24 mainline pipes within a 24-hour period.

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Water has managed to keep its non-revenue water (NRW) below 15% thanks to its intensified leak detection and quick response team.

This helps ensure 24/7 water supply to Manila Water’s 7.6 million customers. 

In 2023, the east zone concessionaire detected and repaired a total of 545 disruptive mains.

All repairs were done within 24 hours to minimize disruptions to the customers’ daily activities.

In December 2023 alone, the company was able to overhaul 24 mainline pipes within a 24-hour period.

Early detection and quick response help the water company keep its NRW at a manageable level.

As of the fourth quarter of 2023, the company’s average NRW is 13.58%, which is one of the lowest in Asia. An improvement of 1% in NRW means an additional 80,000 of the company’s customers get served.

The World Bank Standard for NRW is pegged at 25%. NRW is defined as water that is not billed and is lost to leaks and illegal connections.

The company’s regular system check is just one of its mitigating measures to ensure 24/7 water supply as the country braces for the hotter and drier months.

Aside from building additional water treatment plants, the company finds innovative ways to increase the efficiency of its water production.

Its improved backwash recovery program in East La Mesa Treatment Plants and Balara Treatment Plants now harvests 40 million liters per day, which could support up to 200,000 customers daily. 

In partnership with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and National Water Resources Board, the company remains steadfast in advocating responsible use of water for its customers with its #WaterWais campaigns.

Through #WaterWais, the company spreads water-saving tips online and during face-to-face customer engagements.

The company also requests that its customers report leaks in their communities to Manila Water Customer Hotline 1627.