Maynilad cuts water supply due to murkiness at Ipo Dam

West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. on Tuesday said it has reduced water production due to increased sediment concentrations in the water coming from the Ipo Dam amid heavy rains by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

"There has been a significant increase in the turbidity of the raw water coming from Ipo Dam due to strong rains brought on by the southwest monsoon or habagat," Maynilad said in an advisory.

Turbidity refers to increased sediment concentrations in the raw water.

"This has constrained us to reduce the production of our La Mesa Treatment Plants," the water distributor said.

"Reducing our production will enable us to remove increased sediments from the raw water during treatment before release of potable water to the distribution system," it said.

The water distributor said some of its customers currently have low pressure to no water supply because of the cut in production.

"Our water production will be maintained at reduced levels because rains over the Ipo watershed continue to stir up sediments in the raw water of Ipo Dam," Maynilad said.

"In our efforts to optimize the limited supply, we are constrained to implement service interruptions daily, until such time as the turbidity situation improves," it added.

The company said it is now deploying mobile water tankers to deliver potable water to affected areas.

Affected areas include some barangays in Bulacan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Manila, Pasay, Makati, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite.

"The specific areas that may be affected as well as the duration of the service interruptions per area will vary on a daily basis, depending on the level of turbidity in the raw water coming from Ipo Dam," Maynilad said.

Maynilad customers in affected areas are advised to store water when supply becomes available.

"Please expect some discoloration in the water supply following the resumption of service. Should this happen, let water flow from your faucet for a few seconds until the water clears," it said.

"We are constantly monitoring the water quality in Ipo Dam even as we conduct system adjustments to optimize the limited supply. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will provide updates," it added. — MDM, GMA News