The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Thursday said it will look into reports of yellow colored water from Maynilad Water Services Inc.
In a statement, the MWSS Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) said it monitored a surge of customer complaints on social media regarding the reported “poor aesthetic” quality of water supplied by the water concessionaire.
With this, the agency said it is currently investigating the issue and coordinating with Maynilad to identify the root cause of the irregularity and implement any necessary corrective actions.
Sought for comment, Maynilad spokesperson Jennifer Rufo confirmed the water distribution utility received reports from its consumers of yellowish water supply in some portions of the company’s concession area.
“This is due to higher manganese in the raw water passing through the low-level outlet of Angat Dam,” Rufo said.
“We have already adjusted chemical dosages in our treatment plants to address the yellowish discoloration in the water supply. Our field teams have also been doing local flushing activities in the network. The discoloration will gradually ease over the next few hours,” Rufo explained.
The Maynilad official said that its water supply is still within the parameters set by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water, “except for the discoloration.”
The MWSS-RO, meanwhile, advised Maynilad customers, who are experiencing the discolored water, “to let the water flow until it becomes clear.”
“Customers may collect and store the discolored water for non-potable uses, like concerns to the MWSS RO Customer Service Regulation Area (CSRA) through [email protected] for investigation/immediate action,” the agency said.
The MWSS-RO said it prioritizes the health and safety of water consumers as it investigates the matter and “will remain committed to protecting consumer interest and welfare.”
Maynilad is the water concessionaire for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area. Its jurisdiction is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario.—RF, GMA Integrated News
