MANILA —Concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. will shell out P2.8 billion for the construction of four new reservoirs within its service area in a bid to increase total water storage capacity by 2026 and boost supply during peak seasons.
According to Maynilad, the new facilities, which are expected to rise in Quezon City, Valenzuela and Muntinlupa, will provide 211 million liters (ML) of additional potable water supply that may be tapped when demand rises.
These would be particularly important for households on elevated areas that have low water pressure, Maynilad chief operating officer Randolph Estrellado said on Wednesday.
“Having more reservoirs will help maintain supply availability despite strong water withdrawals from households in low-lying areas, so we’re building more of these storage facilities in strategic locations,” Estrellado added.
The project forms part of the utility firm’s P220-billion service enhancement program for 2023 to 2027.
READ: Here’s how Maynilad is addressing the growing demand for clean water
At present, Maynilad has 37 operational reservoirs that can store up to 751 ML of treated water supply, which is enough to provide for at least 3.1 million households.
Once operational, the four new reservoirs will increase the company’s total combined water storage capacity to 962 ML.
READ: Maynilad earmarks P2.8B for new pumping stations, reservoirs
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) pushed Maynilad to implement more service improvement programs last year, prompting the concessionaire to spend at least P16.6 billion.
This was the biggest amount shelled out by Maynilad in a year in the course of its 25-year concession, the MWSS said. —Meg J. Adonis