Manila Water Company

In 2002, Manila Water will be allocating P1 billion to P1.5 billion in capital expenditures for projects aimed at improving water service and reducing non-revenue water (NRW) - resulting from physical losses due to leaks and illegal connections. Manila Water Company, Inc. president Antonino T. Aquino stated that he expects these projects to reduce the non-revenue water (NRW) rate from its current 48% to around 45%. Aquino added that, “You can only reduce NRW gradually.” The reduction in NRW will bring in an additional 50 to 100 MLD (million liters per day) to Manila Water’s current supply.

The Manila Water Company also aims to expand its water services to its commercial customers. Around 30 percent of the company’s revenues come from commercial customers. Other projects lined up for 2002 include the expansion of Manila Water’s “Tubig Para sa Barangay” program to other depressed communities within the East Zone - Manila Water’s service area.

The company together with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is also looking at the possibility of utilizing alternative water sources. The current water source for the East Zone and all of Metro Manila is the Angat Dam in Bulacan - supplying 97% of the metropolis’ water. One of the sources being considered for development is the northern portion of the Marikina River. Aquino expressed hopes that the Marikina River would be tapped to provide an additional 50 MLD (million liter per day) to Manila Water’s supply by the end of 2003.