NCR West Zone water supply certified safe to drink

This is in reference to the editorial published in The Philippine STAR last July 8, regarding the management of water sources in the country, particularly in the National Capital Region.

We would like to clarify that the water we supply to our customers in the West Zone is certified safe to drink, even directly from the tap, by the Metro Manila Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee (MMDWQMC).  

A Department of Health (DOH)-led committee, the MMDWQMC is composed of representatives from the DOH Center for Health Development-Metro Manila, DOH National Center for Health Facility Development, Manila Health Department-Public Health Laboratory, Marikina Clean Food Laboratory, Makati Health Department, Pasay City Health Department, Parañaque City Health Department, Quezon City Health Department, Las Piñas City Health Department, Environmental Management Bureau, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO), Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Company Inc.

Since 2010, Maynilad has consistently received 100% satisfactory compliance rating from the MMDWQMC. The high rating confirms that water from our distribution system is safe for drinking and cooking.

The MMDWQMC conducts monthly water sampling in over 800 points in our concession area. The samples undergo strict bacteriological, physical and chemical examination to ensure that the water meets the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water of the DOH.

Meanwhile, we are now tapping an alternative water source to decrease reliance on Angat Dam. This source now provides potable water to the south district of our concession area. We are also coordinating closely with the MWSS and Manila Water on the possible development of smaller, geographically spread out water sources for better supply management in case of calamities. The results of these plans should provide a more long-term solution to the issue of water reliability.

We hope the above information helps clarify matters.