Maynilad Water Services Inc. is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying areas in its water distribution system with high likelihood for leaks.
In the wake of a successful pilot run, the company said AI monitoring will cover another 1,500 kilometers of pipelines.
Maynilad began testing the technology in October 2023 over an area covering 1,700 kilometers of pipelines. After the pilot run, the AI software produced a map that identified vulnerabilities over 750 kilometers which later resulted in the identification of 1,525 leaks.
“Through this advanced AI technology, we can proactively identify and address potential leaks in our water distribution system. This not only enables us to respond more swiftly and efficiently to pipe network issues, it also significantly enhances our ability to conserve water resources and improve service reliability for our customers,” said Randolph Estrellado, Maynilad chief operations officer.
The integration of AI in Maynilad operations was driven by the need to maintain efficiency and accelerate the reduction of water losses and as part of exploring advanced technological solutions with the potential to boost its equipment and capability on leak detection.
Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base, serving the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon as well as the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite Province.
