Manila Water boosts network resilience vs combined ‘habagat’ and El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Water has activated its full range of operational preparedness measures as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” sets in, amid evolving El Niño conditions that are expected to influence rainfall patterns in the coming months.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), El Niño conditions are already present in the tropical Pacific, with more than 80 percent likelihood of developing into a full-blown event. While El Niño typically brings below-normal rainfall, its interaction with the Habagat can still result in enhanced monsoon activity and periods of intense rainfall, particularly over the western sections of the country.

For Manila Water, these shifting conditions are not new. The company’s operational approach is anchored on year-round preparedness, enabling it to respond effectively to both heavy rainfall events and potential supply variability associated with climate patterns.

As part of its standard operating procedures, Manila Water has strengthened network monitoring, intensified maintenance of critical facilities, and prepositioned response teams to address localized service concerns. These measures are routinely implemented to ensure service continuity, particularly during the habagat season when weather conditions can change rapidly.

The company’s integrated system operations, supported by diversified water sources and optimized treatment and distribution, allow Manila Water to manage fluctuations in raw water availability while maintaining a stable supply across its East Zone concession area.

“As the habagat season progresses and the impact of an El Niño begins to be felt, our focus remains on maintaining reliable and uninterrupted water service for our customers. Our systems and protocols are in place as part of our day-to-day operations, allowing us to respond quickly to changing weather conditions,” said Dittie Galang, Manila Water Communication Affairs Group head.

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Preventive maintenance activities have been expanded across pumping stations, reservoirs, and sewerage facilities to reduce the risk of flooding-related disruptions while ensuring service availability at all times, even during periods of El Niño. Non-revenue water, or water lost to leaks and illegal connections, is kept below 15 percent to ensure that more water is delivered to customers. Field teams have likewise been deployed to ensure that assets are operating at optimal levels during periods of low dam levels or even with sustained rainfall.

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Supporting these efforts is the Upper Wawa Dam, which contributes to flood mitigation by helping regulate river flows during heavy rains, while also strengthening the overall reliability of water supply in the East Zone.

Generator sets and mobile equipment remain on standby to ensure continuous operations in the event of power interruptions, further reinforcing system resilience during severe weather episodes.

With these measures in place, Manila Water maintains 24/7 service availability across its concession area, with systems designed to withstand seasonal and climate-related stresses. /cb