MWSS-RO investigates Maynilad’s poor water quality

FILE: MWS, Estero de Binondo floodgate and pumping station (Photo By Ramon FVelasquez/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA – The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) on Monday said it is investigating the undrinkable water quality from Maynilad.

The investigation followed Maynilad’s water service interruptions and advice to customers in the southern areas of its concessionaire that the quality of water being treated from Laguna Lake is temporarily non-potable due to the transition from summer to the rainy season.

In a Zoom interview, MWSS RO chief regulator Atty. Patrick Ty said Maynilad should have been ready considering that the shift in weather was seasonal.

“This happens every year. So, they should have been prepared for this. So, we want to know why they are not able to provide the proper service to their customers,” he said.

“That’s part of the service obligations of Maynilad that they should provide potable water 24/7. They are not just required to provide water, they are required to provide potable water,” he stressed.

Maynilad spokesperson Jen Rufo, meanwhile, explained the water quality in Laguna Lake exceeded the parameters of their treatment capabilities due to higher salinity or salt content.

This caused longer water service interruptions prompting Maynilad to request for more relaxed parameters, including the relaxation of reverse osmosis that removes salt content in water.

“Pinayagan lang namin na lumagpas for now para lang ma-increase natin iyong water production. Kasi baka mas kailangan din ng customers na kahit papaano may tubig sila, kaysa wala talaga (We just allowed it for now to increase our water production. Because maybe the customers need to at least have access to water, instead of having none at all),” Rufo said.

“Nabawasan iyong produksyon para mapanatili iyong (The production declined just to maintain the) drinking water qualities ng water. But if we keep doing that, strict compliance, sobrang kaunti iyong nailalabas ng planta na supply, kaya humahaba iyong (the supply released by the plant is very minimal that’s why) service interruptions (are prolonged),” she added.

Except for drinking and cooking, Rufo said the water quality is safe for general sanitation since it is “not far from the accepted standard.”

“Safe for hygiene purposes. So, pwede siyang ipanglinis, pwede siyang ipangligo maliban na lang siguro kung sensitive ang balat mo o may sakit ka sa balat (it can be used for cleaning, for bathing, except for those with sensitive skin or with skin diseases),” she said.

The MWSS, meanwhile assured the public they are on top of the situation and they are in close coordination with Maynilad to ensure speedy repair and normalization of their operations.

“Maynilad is required to fix the problem within three days. Beyond three days we can impose financial penalties already… We are warning to fast track it. That’s why it was converted to, it was shortened to three days. So, they are required to fix things as soon as possible in order not to affect public health,” Ty said.

Based on the revised concessionaire agreements, Maynilad needs to resolve the matter within three days instead of the previous 15-day period.

To date, deployed water tankers are distributing potable water in affected areas including Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque in Metro Manila, and Bacoor, and Imus in Cavite.