Manila Water continues to experience an upswing in service expansion as it racks up a total of 1,163,014 connections as of July 2023 since 1997.

As of July 2023, the water company had successfully installed 16,728 new water connections. Of the total new connections, 16,175 are new domestic service connections, which is already 81% of the 2023 target. In the same period, there were 553 new commercial and industrial connections energized.

The steady increase in water connections enabled the company to cover 7,633,398 customers in the East Zone of Metro Manila and parts of Rizal.

Moreover, the company ensures water safety and proper water pressure in its concession area. The company has maintained 100% monthly compliance with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water, guaranteeing that water up to the customers’ meters is safe to drink. Also, as of July this year, 98.35% of the company’s water service connections enjoy 24/7 water service at an average water pressure of 7 psi (pounds per square inch) at ground level.

The expansion and provision of 24/7 water supply at the right pressure to most of Manila Water’s service areas could be attributed to the company’s efforts in lowering its non-revenue water (NRW). Manila Water has maintained its NRW below 15% (13.48% average as of Q2 2023), which is at par with first-world countries. The World Bank standard is 25%. NRW is water wasted due to leaks and illegal connections in the water network.

“Service improvements for our customers are paramount. For the past 26 years, the company has been working closely with the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System Regulatory Office, the national government, and local government units on service expansion projects. The company has invested heavily in augmenting the water sources, upgrading its systems, and maintaining the water network,” Manila Water’s Corporate Communications Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.

The extensive water service expansion of Manila Water is part of its massive water service improvement program, especially in the far-flung and underserved areas in Rizal province. In December, Manila Water is set to inaugurate the East Bay Phase 1 Water Treatment Plant, which has the capacity to treat 50 million liters per day of raw water sourced from the Laguna Lake serving 300,000 residents of Jalajala, Pililla, Baras, Cardona, Morong, and Binangonan in Rizal.