Months before the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the start of the rainy season this month, Manila Water has already carried out measures to ensure its facilities are able to continue operating even with heavy rains, flooding and power outages that come with the monsoon season.

Manila Water has prepped its three major water treatment plants in Quezon City to mitigate impacts to production in the event of strong typhoons. Each facility has generator sets to ensure continued operations during power outages. Sandbags and dewatering pumps are also in place in case of flooding. The company’s water treatment plant personnel follow a strict protocol which include securing their system back-ups, fuel, batteries, medical and first aid supply, food, and other emergency items. The company has been conducting regular and preventive maintenance of its existing 48 water pumping stations and 41 reservoirs to prevent downtime.

Currently, Manila Water has eight emergency reservoirs in Metro Manila’s East Zone ready to provide potable water to evacuation centers and augment water supply during typhoons and other disasters. These emergency reservoirs are located at Amoranto Stadium, Pinyahan Elementary School, Project 6 Elementary School, Quirino Elementary School, Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City; Cainta Elementary School in Barangay San Roque, Cainta; Mayamot Elementary School in Antipolo City; and San Juan Elementary School in San Juan.

An amphibious vehicle being tested at La Mesa Dam. This vehicle is part of Manila Water’s contingency fleet for quick response during typhoons and other emergency scenarios. 

The water company also increased its mobility during disaster scenarios with the commissioning of emergency vehicles in case disaster relief and rescue operations will have to be undertaken. Manila Water’s emergency fleet is composed of four (4) mobile treatment plants, a mobile stage, a mobile command center, a mobile toilet, a mobile sleeping quarter, an amphibious vehicle, a tractor head, six 4x4 rescue vehicles, an ambulance, an all-terrain vehicle, a jet ski, three speed boats, and five folding boats.   

The water concessionaire’s wastewater and sewerage systems have also undergone testing and maintenance to ensure efficient sewer and sanitation services for its 7.6 million customers in the East Zone of Metro Manila and parts of Rizal. The company has made sure that its 22 sewage pumping stations and 46 sewage lift stations connected to 27 wastewater treatment facilities are all in optimal condition and, more importantly, flood-resilient since a number of these facilities are situated near or along riverbanks.

"Manila Water continues to work closely with the MWSS to ensure that capital expenditure projects are on track and will be completed as scheduled to sustain the 24/7 water and sanitation services even during the rainy season," Corporate Communications Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.