Manila Water aims to optimize the operations of its Balara Treatment Plant 2 (BTP 2) by reducing its chemical consumption through the installation of the Activated Filter Media (AFM).

Manila Water Operations Group Director Arnold Jether Mortera shared that the use of AFM requires less backwash water and can remove iron and manganese. “These two elements cause reddish brown and brownish-black stains that build up in pipelines and water tanks restricting water flow and reduce water pressure. With the AFM installed, this reduces the chlorine requirement for oxidation of the said chemicals,” Mortera added.

Activated Filter Media is a highly processed product in the form of particles with enhanced filtration features, lessening the need for additional infrastructure. These are usually composed of recycled green and amber glass. The current filtration media used at BTP 2 are composed of silica sand.

Activated Filter Media is a highly processed product in the form of particles with enhanced filtration features, lessening the need for additional infrastructure. These are usually composed of recycled green and amber glass. The use of AFM requires less backwash water and can remove Iron and Manganese. These two elements cause reddish brown and brownish-black stains that build up in pipelines and water tanks restricting water flow and reduce water pressure. With the AFM installed, this reduces the chlorine requirement for oxidation of the said chemicals.

Mortera also disclosed that a preliminary test was conducted to assess the performance of the AFM. “With the promising results, the Operations Team plans to scale up by applying AFM on all of BTP 2’s filter beds to improve the facility's service,” Mortera said.

Installation works for four (4) filter beds are ongoing after installation was completed for one (1) filter bed. BTP2 has 20 filter beds in operation. Testing and process proving will follow shortly to measure full efficiency of the innovation. BTP 2 is Manila Water’s primary treatment facility that serves more than 60% of the East Zone.