MWSS: Water concessionaires won’t disconnect services for areas under ECQ

MANILA, Philippines – Water concessionaires will not cut its supply to customers in Metro Manila and in adjacent provinces that are still under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) assured on Tuesday.

In a presentation from the MWSS’ Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO), concerns of customers who have yet to settle their accounts were addressed, especially since the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic had suspended work and left millions without any income.

According to MWSS-RO, there would also be a grace period for the payment of bills during the duration of the ECQ, while an installment basis can also be availed by consumers.

Due to the ECQ, meter billing had been suspended to ensure the safety of consumers, which means that an average billing policy has been set in place, and that payment should still be made.

In the timeline provided by MWSS-RO, the bills of lifeline customers — or those belonging to low-income households — would be read starting June, which is also when the payment period commences.  Service disconnection may only be possible by the first week of September.

For non-lifeline accounts, the same pattern would ensue but service disconnection may start as early as August 1.  Customers may settle their bills through online banking, over the counter payments through accredited partners, or through a mobile application.

As of May 16, several areas including Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Pampanga were placed under a modified ECQ, after the original ECQ’s deadline lapsed last May 15.

READ: Cebu City, Mandaue City under ECQ; more Luzon provinces now MECQ until May 31

MWSS is in charge of monitoring water rates and supply after the privatization of the industry left it to two players, namely Maynilad and Manila Water.  Maynilad handles accounts on the west concession zone while Manila Water manages those on the east concession zone.

For billing inquiries, customers are urged to contact Maynilad’s hotline at 1626 or send mails to [email protected], and Manila Water’s 1627 hotline and [email protected].

They may also contact MWSS-RO through 8925-6619 and 3435-8903, or by sending e-mails to [email protected] and [email protected]