Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- East zone water concessionaire Manila Water on Sunday assured its customers of sufficient water supply during the dry season, citing expanded sources, contingency measures, amid challenges driven by climate risks and rising demand. </p><p>Speaking at a media briefing, Corporate Communications Manager Dittie Galang said the company has been steadily diversifying its sources to meet rising demand, particularly during summer months. </p><p>“Taun-taon naman po talaga dumadating iyong tag-init, tumataas po iyong demand tuwing sa mga buwan ng tag-init. Kaya po ang Manila Water, taun-taon din po ‘yan na naghahanda po kami para nga sa pagdating ng mga summer months,” Galang said. </p><p>“Kailangan na rin po nating maghanap ng iba pang mga mapagkukuhanan ng tubig, lalo na kung tumataas nga po iyong demand,” she said. </p><p>Manila Water continues to rely heavily on Angat Dam, which supplies about 90% of Metro Manila’s water, but officials acknowledged this dependence is unsustainable in the long run. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/24/angat-dam-water-level-seen-sufficient-as-dry-season-starts-1709">READ: Angat Dam water level seen sufficient as dry season starts</a></div><p>Among the key alternative sources are Laguna Lake, the Cardona Water Treatment Plant, and the recently acquired Upper Wawa Dam, along with standby deep wells for peak demand periods. </p><p>Manila Water Corporate Strategic Affairs and Communications head Jeric Sevilla detailed that these facilities now contribute hundreds of millions of liters per day, complementing Angat and helping maintain round-the-clock service. </p><p>“Summer or hindi summer, El Niño or hindi El Niño, Manila Water has always developed contingency plans to ensure 24/7 water supply for all its 7.8 million customers in the East Zone,” he said. </p><p>“Ang ginagawa po ng Manila Water ngayon, to lessen the dependency on Angat, nag-develop po tayo ng additional water sources para ma-complement natin iyong ipinibigay ng Angat,” he added. </p><p>However, the company acknowledged that some customers may still experience water interruptions, typically during scheduled maintenance or in high-elevation areas where maintaining enough pressure remains a challenge.</p><div> </div><div><strong>NO IMMEDIATE RATE IMPACT FROM OIL PRICES</strong> </div><p>Officials also clarified that rising global oil prices will not immediately affect water bills, as rates are predetermined under a regulatory framework. </p><p>“Sa ngayon, wala po iyong direct effect dun sa rates ng Manila Water,” Galang explained. </p><p>“Dahil po iyong rates natin ay predetermined na po during the rate rebasing period. Iyong pinakahuling rate rebasing exercise ay ginanap noong 2022, at nilabas iyong resulta noong 2023. At ito po nakataya na iyong magiging paggalaw ng taripa hanggang 2028,” she added. </p><p>Sevilla added that any future adjustments will undergo regulatory review, distinguishing water tariffs from more volatile utilities like fuel.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/18/marcos-jr-asks-oil-companies-to-implement-fuel-price-rollback-in-full-1840" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Marcos Jr. asks oil companies to implement fuel price rollback in full</a></div><div> </div><div><strong>CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE WATER USE</strong> </div><p>Officials stressed that ensuring long-term supply is not just about infrastructure, but also public cooperation. </p><p>Sevilla said water management must address both supply and demand, urging consumers to change wasteful habits. He cited household leaks as a major source of wastage.</p><p>“Iyong leaking toilet bowl, 750 to 3,800 liters per day, slow iyon na leak, ang nasasayang. Kapag moderate leak ka, 3,800 to 11,000 liters per day,” he said. </p><p>“So, make sure na iyong mga toilets natin, mga gripo natin are okay,” he added. </p><p>Galang echoed the call, urging more mindful daily practices, including conserving water while bathing by limiting time in the shower, using water efficiently in the kitchen and during cooking, and ensuring that faucets are properly maintained and free of leaks.</p><p> “Hindi namin sinasabing huwag kayong gumamit ng tubig. Hindi naming sinasabing huwag kayong maligo, huwag kayong mag-sipilyo maglinis ng bahay gamit ang tubig. Siguro ang mahalaga lang po ay mas maging conscious tayo kung paano natin ginagamit. And yung mga maliliit na bagay, malaking tulong po ito,” she said.</p><div> </div>

<p>East zone water concessionaire Manila Water on Sunday assured its customers of sufficient water supply during the dry season, citing expanded sources, contingency measures, amid challenges driven by climate risks and rising demand.</p>

East zone water concessionaire Manila Water on Sunday assured its customers of sufficient water supply during the dry season, citing expanded sources, contingency measures, amid challenges driven by climate risks and rising demand.

Manila Water assures stable summer supply amid 'water challenges,' ramps up alternative sources

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Manila Water assures stable summer supply amid 'water challenges,' ramps up alternative sources

Francis Orcio,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 19, 2026 04:14 PM PHT

Read More:

Manila Water

Water Supply

El Niño

Warm and Dry Season

Oil Supply

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