By Victor V. Saulon, Sub-Editor
MAYNILAD WATER Services, Inc. will reduce water production because of the increase in turbidity at Ipo Dam resulting in increased sediment concentrations in the raw water it distributes, Metro Manila’s west zone concessionaire said on Tuesday.
“There has been a significant increase in the turbidity of the raw water coming from Ipo Dam due to strong rains brought on by the southwest monsoon or habagat,” Maynilad said in a statement.
“This has constrained us to reduce the production of our La Mesa Treatment Plants. Reducing our production will enable us to remove increased sediments from the raw water during treatment before release of potable water to the distribution system,” explained the statement.
“Because of this, some of our customers currently have low pressure to no water supply, and we are now deploying mobile water tankers to deliver potable water to these areas,” it added.
The company said its water production will be maintained at reduced levels because rains over the Ipo watershed continue to stir up sediments in the raw water of the dam.
“In our efforts to optimize the limited supply, we are constrained to implement service interruptions daily, until such time as the turbidity situation improves. Affected areas include some barangays in Bulacan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Manila, Pasay, Makati, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite,” Maynilad said.
It said the specific areas that might be affected and the duration of the service interruptions per area would vary daily, “Depending on the level of turbidity in the raw water coming from Ipo Dam.”
Maynilad advised its customers in the affected areas to store water when supply is available.
“To mitigate the effect of our reduced production, we are deploying mobile water tankers to deliver potable water to affected areas.” it said.
“Please expect some discoloration in the water supply following the resumption of service. Should this happen, let water flow from your faucet for a few seconds until the water clears.” it added.
Separately, Manila Water Co., Inc. said it would proceed with its pipe-laying and interconnection activity along EDSA’s southbound service road near the corner of Shaw Blvd.
The east zone water concessionaire said the activity would result in temporary water service interruption affecting around 466,000 population in 93,237 households, commercial and business establishments in 33 barangays in Mandaluyong City, San Juan City, Pasig City, and Quezon City.
The water interruption will begin on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 17.

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