MAYNILAD WATER Services, Inc. said its customers in the cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Imus and Bacoor will experience low water pressure to no water supply until May 14 due to “reduced water production brought about by unusual algae proliferation” in Laguna Lake.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Maynilad said the algal bloom was first observed on April 23, and is expected to continue until the end of the summer. The proliferation of algae was attributed to the warmer temperature brought by El Niño.

“(This) will require the implementation of more radical measures, which means that the water production in our Putatan Facilities will be further reduced for the time being,” the company said.

Maynilad said the excessive algae required additional cleaning and de-clogging at the Putatan water treatment facilities.

“Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the water quality in Laguna Lake. We are likewise continuously finding ways to optimize the limited water supply during this time,” Maynilad added.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and DMCI Holdings, Inc. hold a 52.8% and 25.24% interest, respectively, in Maynilad. Japanese firm Marubeni Corp. has a 20% stake in the utility, while the balance is held by other shareholders.

MPIC is one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT). Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld. — Janina C. Lim

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