The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office on Monday ordered Maynilad Water Services Inc. to inform its customers of scheduled water service interruptions at least 48 hours in advance.
MWSS also told Maynilad to strictly adhere to its announced service interruption schedules, and to mitigate their effects on communities by delivering water through tankers.
Specifically, the water regulator asked Maynilad to explain its recent issuance of a notice of water service interruption to its West Zone concessionaires, covering the period 14 August to 1 September.
MWSS chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty claimed that Maynilad has failed to “properly and effectively notify all affected customers in advance” of the service interruptions.
“The MWSS-RO reminded Maynilad to post notices on social media (specifically on Facebook and Twitter) and traditional media (radio, television and newspapers), in addition to its text blasts to customers registered in the TxTubig program, at least 48 hours before its implementation of planned WSIs,” Ty said.
The MWSS official directed the water service provider to resolve the persistent water supply and quality issues, and to submit a concrete plan of action on how it intends to normalize services to customers.
Maynilad’s West sector covers Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa; parts of Quezon City, Manila, and Makati; and Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Rosario, Noveleta, and Cavite City in Cavite province.
In June, Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque, and portions of Cavite complained about prolonged and recurring water service interruptions, as well as the allegedly poor quality of water.
Water service providers like Maynilad are required to provide 24/7 water supply to all of their customers. They are also mandated to provide water that meets the National Drinking Water Standards.
Then-President Rodrigo Duterte signed laws in December 2021 granting Maynilad and Manila Water 25-year franchises.
Manila Water provides water in the east zone of Metro Manila and Rizal province
Ty said it’s not acceptable for water utilities to deviate from their announced water service interruptions. He added customers may email csr@ro.mwss.gov.ph to escalate concerns that have not been satisfactorily addressed by the utilities.
“Any sustained failure of the concessionaires to meet their contractual obligations may affect the ongoing rate rebasing and/or may be ground for the imposition of financial penalties,” Ty said.