Maynilad supply cuts stay; virus scare ups water consumption

Maynilad said Wednesday that its rotational water interruption would continue despite only a minimal spike in customers' consumption after government advised the public to wash their hands frequently to dodge a coronavirus outbreak. 

The increase in customers' consumption was "not that significant" perhaps because the government advice for frequent handwashing coincided with cool weather, said Maynilad Corporate Communications Head Jennifer Rufo. 

However, the 5 to 18-hour supply cuts will continue in western Metro Manila until regulators raise the supply allocation for the region from the current 40 cubic meters per second, said Rufo. 

"Kailangan nating pagkasyahin ang kaunting supply sa maraming customer," she said. 

(We need to divide the small supply among many customers.) 
 
Regulators cannot increase the water allocation to the normal 46 m³/s because Angat Dam, Metro Manila's main water source, was still below its normal operating level, said National Water Resources Board Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. 

"Gusto po nating mapangalagaan ang supply, mapaabot natin hanggang bago po ang mga pag-ulan," he said. 

(We want to take care of the supply, make it last until the rains come.) 

Manila Water, which services Metro Manila's eastern zone, reduced the water pressure in some areas and might also cut supply if the NWRB allocation slid further, said Corporate Communications Head Jeric Sevilla. 

The government is renegotiating the concession deals of both Maynilad and Manila Water. 

• 'Time of reckoning' as Duterte offers new contracts to Manila Water, Maynilad

DZMM, Feb. 12, 2020