Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Despite heavy rains, Maynilad customers in Metro Manila will have to endure more water interruptions.
Maynilad’s Chief Operating Officer Randy Estrellado on Monday said the water service provider “is forced to lessen water production” as the heavy rains brought by Habagat caused high turbidity level — the mud and sediment content — in the Ipo Dam.
Estrellado explained, the La Mesa Treatment plants can process the water up to a turbidity level of 300 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) — and if the NTU level is past 300, Maynilad is forced to lessen water production.
According to Estrellado, turbidity in Ipo Dam reached 2,000 NTU, Sunday. Because of this, Estrellado said Maynilad had to reduce 700 million liters of water, causing a shortage.
He added, they are trying to solve the problem for the coming rainy months.
“Naghahanap kami ng paraan para mas mataas ‘yung turbidity na makakyanan ng planta. Nakakuha kami ng consultants,” Estrellado said. [We are trying to find ways for the plant to accommodate higher turbidity level. We already have consultants.]
Estrellado admits though, the water service provider could do better for their customers.
“Kaya naman natin itaas up to 1,800 NTU,” he said. “Kaya lang kailangan siyang gawin na walang pigil sa operations.” [We can raise it to up to 1,800 NTU. But it should be done without interfering with the operations.]
Estrellado also reported, the turbidity level at the Ipo Dam has normalized to 300 NTU, Monday afternoon.
“Malaki ang dagdag mula sa production kahapon. [The production improved since yesterday] It should not be as bad as the other day. But we need to save water for Bagbag Dam,” the Maynilad official said.
Estrellado said 70 percent of Metro Manila residents rely on the Bagbag Reservoir and it will take three days to stabilize the supply — but it will only happen once the rain stops and the turbidity level stays at 300 NTU.
But with heavy rains expected to continue until Thursday, Estrellado said water interruptions could possibly last the whole week.
In the meantime, customers can request water delivery — free of charge — by calling Maynilad’s hotline numbers: 1626 or 737-3311.
CNN Philippines’ Anna Estanislao contributed to this report.
Also read: PAGASA: Monsoon rains to continue for days
