MANILA - Maynilad's customers are unlikely to be affected by the water shortage besetting Metro Manila and Rizal province, its chairman said Tuesday.

Massive water shortages have hit parts of Manila and Rizal amid the onset of El Niño.

Maynilad, which serves the west zone of Metro Manila, "is protected" from water shortage since it has 2 sources, namely the Angat Dam and the Putatan Water Treatment plant, Maynilad chairman Manny Pangilinan told reporters.

"Maynilad is substantially not affected by the water shortage. In the west side, in the west zone of Manila, it is unlikely to see some water interruption," Pangilinan said.

Maynilad, however, will still look for other water sources, he said.

"That doesn't mean that in the long run, Maynilad should not look for additional sources of bulk water because at this stage we only have 2 sources which are Angat, the principal source and the Putatan... So I think we should find additional sources of water for Maynilad," he said.

Maynilad has agreed to share its supply with Manila Water to ease the burden for consumers.

"[If] Maynilad can help Manila Water, why not," he added.

Manila Water earlier urged the public to use water wisely as the shortage could last until summer.

• 'Until the rains come': Manila Water unsure on restoration of water supply