West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) continues to strengthen its El Niño preparedness even as Angat Dam has recovered from its July lows, citing reduced water losses as the primary contributor to lowering its operational reliance on Angat, complemented by source diversification, stronger treatment capability, and greater network flexibility.
Angat Dam fell to 150.42 meters in July 2026—lower than the 157.96-meter level recorded during the 2019 water crisis, when rotational water supply was implemented. This year, however, Maynilad was able to manage the lower dam level without resorting to rotational interruptions.
Angat has since recovered to above 207 meters following rains during the wet season, but Maynilad said continued preparedness remains necessary as El Niño conditions may bring below-normal rainfall and tighter raw water conditions in the coming months.
“The experience earlier this year showed why we have been investing in a more resilient water supply system,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Christopher Jaime T. Lichauco. “When Angat dropped below its 2019 level, we had more tools available to manage the situation—from lower water losses and alternative sources to stronger treatment capability and greater network flexibility. We are continuing these measures as El Niño conditions persist and we prepare for potentially drier months ahead.”
The biggest contributor to reducing Maynilad’s operational reliance on Angat has been its intensified Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction program, which allows more of the water already available in the system to reach customers and reduces the need for additional raw water supply. As of June 2026, the company had reduced daily water losses by more than 150 million liters per day compared with June 2025, making more water available for distribution to customers.
Maynilad has also progressively diversified its water sources through Laguna Lake, deep wells, modular treatment plants, and NEW WATER facilities. Based on treatment capacity, Angat now accounts for about 83% of Maynilad’s supply capacity, compared with 100% historically.
The company has likewise strengthened its South system, particularly its Laguna Lake-based facilities, through treatment and process improvements designed to make alternative supply more reliable under changing raw water quality conditions. These investments provide added flexibility in managing available supply across the network when Angat becomes constrained.
Maynilad said it will continue to monitor source conditions, optimize available supply, and coordinate with government agencies on water allocation and supply management as El Niño conditions persist.
“Improved dam levels give us more buffer, but we continue to prepare because El Niño can still affect rainfall and raw water availability in the coming months,” Lichauco said. “Our objective is to keep strengthening the system so we can manage changing conditions while protecting service reliability for our customers.” Maynilad also encouraged customers to continue using water responsibly and to report visible leaks or illegal connections.
PHOTO CAPTION: Maynilad’s Poblacion Water Treatment Plant in Muntinlupa City draws raw water from Laguna Lake and forms part of the company’s strengthened South system, helping diversify water sources and reduce operational reliance on Angat Dam amid El Niño.
