The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is investigating Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad), its private water concessionaire in the West Zone, for the prolonged water service interruptions (WSIs).
The MWSS Regulatory Office (RO) announced the ongoing investigation to determine whether there is basis to impose the appropriation penalties due to the company’s failure to fulfill its service obligations.
MWSS said Maynilad explained that the reduced water production at the Putatan Water Treatment Plant (PWTP) is caused by the prolonged high algal count and sustained high raw water turbidity in the Laguna Lake despite the corrective actions and long term solutions being taken at the PWTP since the second quarter of 2021.
The MWSS RO is expecting the PWTP to be operating at its maximum design of 300MLD, and Maynilad to be complying with its service obligation of providing all customers with an uninterrupted supply of potable water at 7 pounds per square inch (psi) minimum pressure.
According to MWSS RO, the unusual large number and duration of the announced WSIs have inconvenienced customers within the coverage area of the PWTP, particularly in the Cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Paranaque, Pasay, Bacoor, Imus, and Cavite, and the Municipalities of Noveleta and Rosario.
On January 11, the MWSS RO served a Notice to Explain to Maynilad for WSIs at its PWTP’s supply zone from December 6 to 22, 2021, and from December 27, 2021 to January 15.
On January 21, following Maynilad’s announcement of WSIs that will last until 15 February, the MWSS RO once again issued a notice to the concessionaire to provide an explanation for its extended WSIs, the persisting issues in its PWTP, and its concrete plan of action to remedy this continuing situation.
The agency also directed Maynilad to implement mitigating measures to alleviate the impact of the WSIs; and utilize all accessible online and offline communication channels to effectively inform and update customers on the list of affected areas, schedules, and other pertinent details of the service interruptions prior to implementation.
The company was also told to ensure strict adherence to its announced WSI schedules, water tankering schedules, and static tank locations; and immediately address inquiries or concerns on social media, website, hotline, or email regarding the WSIs.
Meanwhile, the MWSS RO urges customers to monitor announcements and updates regarding the scheduled WSIs in their respective areas and to store enough water for the duration of the water service interruptions.
Image credits: BusinessMirror file photo