Maynilad, Manila Water mull water-sharing deal

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila’s two water concessionaires are prepared for a possible water sharing arrangement, an official from one of the companies said.

Manila Water corporate communications head Dittie Galang told The STAR that necessary protocols are already in place for a potential water supply sharing agreement with Maynilad Water Services Inc.

“There have been agreements entered in the past regarding cross-border sharing, which could benefit either concessionaire, whichever has the greater need,” she said.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) disclosed that Manila Water and Maynilad were in discussions over a possible water supply sharing arrangement, if water resources become scarce due to the effects of El Niño.

“We are in discussion with Manila Water and Maynilad to pass on water to themselves.They will probably enter into that agreement in case of supply emergencies,” MWSS-RO chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty said during a Senate budget hearing on Monday.

“Manila Water has excess capacity, and they will be selling it to Maynilad for redundancy purposes,” he added.

Under the proposed arrangement, the two concessionaires could share water supplies across their respective service areas during emergencies.

The two water companies source the bulk of their water supply from Angat Dam, which is split between the East Zone for Manila Water and the West Zone for Maynilad.

Ty said similar agreements are also being explored for the water supplies of Laguna and Bulacan, which remain subject to discussions.

“We are also doing it in Rizal. There is an existing bulk water supply agreement for several water districts in the province because that is also in the concession area of Manila Water,” he said.

Manila Water noted that a cross-border water supply agreement could be done as long as it does not compromise demand and the company’s ability to supply its customers.

“We will continue to prioritize our customers, especially in light of the effects of this very strong El Niño,” Galang said.

Meanwhile, Maynilad said that it has no finalized water-sharing agreement with Manila Water to announce.

“Any developments on this matter will be communicated by Maynilad at the appropriate time,” the company told The STAR.

Manila Water serves the East Zone of Metro Manila, which includes the cities of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila and several towns in Rizal.

On the other hand, Maynilad delivers water to parts of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon. It also serves several cities and municipalities in Cavite.

Both water service providers have said that they continues to strengthen their water resources in preparation for the effects of El Niño.