Maynilad Implements Strategies to Combat El Niño Impact on Water Supply

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Maynilad Implements Strategies to Combat El Niño Impact on Water Supply

November 5, 2026

Manila:The improvement of non-revenue water (NRW) and diversification of sources have enabled Maynilad Water Services to maintain its service amid the challenges posed by El Niño, a company executive announced.

According to Philippines News agency, Maynilad's NRW, which refers to treated water lost through leaks, illegal connections, and faulty meters, was reduced to 29.3 percent by the end of September, down from 32.8 percent the previous year. Chief Operating Officer Christopher Jaime Lichauco revealed that the company aims to lower this to about 25 percent by 2027.

Lichauco highlighted that reducing NRW has been crucial for sustaining operations, with 288 million liters per day recovered since 2019, equivalent to the output of nearly two treatment plants. President and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez mentioned plans for additional measures over the next three months to enhance water supply, including a new modular treatment plant in Molino, Cavite, and operating a new facility in Pasay.

Currently, Maynilad sources water from several facilities, including the Putatan Water Treatment Plants, the Parañaque New Water Treatment Plant, and the La Mesa Dam. The company is upgrading three plants drawing from Laguna Lake to reduce dependency on Angat Dam, with the ability to supply 70 to 100 million liters per day to the north during floods.

The Philippine weather bureau anticipates the dry spell's impact to persist until early 2027, potentially intensifying summer temperatures. Meanwhile, Maynilad's net income increased in the first nine months of 2026 due to lower interest expenses and higher income, despite increased spending on service improvements.

Revenues grew by 3.5 percent to PHP28.6 billion, driven by a rise in billed volume, rate adjustments approved by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, and a growing customer base. Capital expenditures also increased by 5.1 percent to PHP19.5 billion, focusing on network efficiency, water service, and wastewater coverage improvements.

Service coverage expanded to 95.2 percent, with 24-hour water availability reaching 94.5 percent. Wastewater coverage increased to 95.7 percent, up from 90.4 percent the previous year.