Over P90,000 water bill shocks Manila Water customer

The Quanico family was shocked at the P92,303.10 water bill they received for just a month of consumption, according to a report on GMA News' 24 Oras on Friday.

The bill recorded 1,477 cubic meters of water consumption from Dec. 17, 2018 to Jan. 17, 2019, the family said.

The average monthly water bill of their family is only about P2,000 for an average monthly consumption of 40 to 60 cubic meters, they said.

Manila Water Company, Inc. spokesperson Jeric Sevilla said the sudden increase in the consumption reading of a household may be due to several reasons.

“Una, 'yung talagang tumaas lang ang konsumo, mas malakas ang gamit. Pangalawa, puwedeng mayroong leak na tinatawag,” Sevilla said.

“Puwede rin namang may ilegal na koneksiyon. Puwede ring mali ang pagkabasa ng metro o kaya puwede rin naman sira 'yung metro,” he added.

Manila Water conducted an investigation and found a leak in the water pipe  servicing the Quanico family.

The company recommended "repiping" to seal the leak. Sevilla said the Quanico family will have to shoulder all the expenses because the repair is not covered by Manila Water’s service.

“Ang kontrata ng Manila Water magbigay ng tubig hanggang metro lang. Magmula metro papasok sa loob ng bahay, pati 'yung piping system, 'yan ay responsibilidad ng may-ari ng bahay,” he said.

The damaged pipe has already been replaced.

As for the P92,303.10 bill, the Quanico family will still have to pay it based on the terms agreed upon with Manila Water. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News