Manila Water Company is ramping up preparations for a potentially prolonged El Niño episode by leveraging the expanded capacity of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project to maintain uninterrupted service across its East Zone concession area.
Speaking during the Philippine Stock Exchange STAR Investor Day on Thursday, Manila Water president and chief executive officer Roberto Locsin said the utility has intensified its planning efforts by analyzing historical El Niño cycles, heat intensity patterns, and water depletion trends to improve operational readiness during periods of extreme heat and limited rainfall.
According to Locsin, the company uses long-term climate and supply data to determine how quickly key water sources are depleted during dry spells, enabling management to optimize the allocation of available resources and implement timely operating measures.
A major advantage for Manila Water compared to previous water shortages, particularly the 2019 supply crisis, is the integration of the Wawa Dam system into its operations.
The Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project now provides a significant additional source of water, with a rated capacity exceeding 700 million liters per day.
Current deliverable output has already surpassed 500 million liters daily, strengthening the utility’s ability to respond to increased demand during hotter months.
The company noted that rising temperatures and the earlier onset of summer conditions continue to place pressure on traditional supply sources such as Angat Dam and Laguna Lake.
However, Manila Water said its diversified water supply portfolio, anchored by the Wawa system, is expected to help stabilize distribution and minimize service disruptions.
“Our priority is to ensure East Zone customers continue receiving 24/7 water service throughout this prolonged dry period,” Locsin said, underscoring the company’s focus on supply reliability amid increasingly volatile weather conditions.
