MWSS fines Maynilad P2.038M for poor water quality in Caloocan

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) on Tuesday announced that it imposed a financial penalty of over P2 million against west zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. for poor water quality in some areas in Caloocan City.

In a text message to GMA News Online, MWSS-RO chief regulator Patrick Ty said a total financial penalty of P2,038,396.50 was imposed against Maynilad.

The penalty will be settled by Maynilad in the form of rebates to a total of 3,841 water customers in affected areas in Caloocan City.

Each customer will get a rebate of P530.69 "starting July," according to Ty.

Those who will get a rebate are customers in the following barangays in Caloocan City:

• Brgy. 63
• Brgy. 64
• Brgy. 65
• Brgy. 66
• Brgy. 67
• Brgy. 68
• Brgy. 69
• Brgy. 70
• Brgy. 71
• Brgy. 72
• Brgy. 73
• Brgy. 74
• Brgy. 75
• Brgy. 76

MWSS-RO said the financial penalty was imposed for the water quality failure incident, specifically the failure in Total Coliform at a Regulatory Sampling Point (RSP) supplied by Caloocan Pumping Station and Reservoir (PSR).

MWSS chief regulator Patrick Ty told GMA News Online that the total penalty against Maynilad amounts to P2,038,396.50.

Ty said a total of 3,841 water customers of Maynilad will get a rebate of P530.69 each.

'Isolated'

In a statement, Maynilad said it acknowledges the regulatory decision as it reaffirms commitment to quality and customer safety.

Maynilad said the water quality issue was "isolated."

It added that the penalty will be distributed as rebates in the monthly bills of the specific affected customers.

"We want to assure our customers that these incidents were promptly addressed and resolved. In response, we have implemented enhanced process interventions, including intensified pipe flushing, accelerated pipe replacements, and expedited leak repairs and closure of illegal connections," the water concessionaire said.

"The health and safety of our customers and the integrity of our water supply remain our top priorities. Maynilad is committed to providing the highest quality water and will continue to take proactive measures to ensure the reliability and safety of our services. We also continue to work closely with the MWSS Regulatory Office and the Department of Health in monitoring the quality of the water supply distributed to our customers," it said.

Maynilad is the concessionaire of the MWSS for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area—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, all in Cavite province. — VDV, GMA Integrated News