Maynilad allots P7.7 billion to cut water losses

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March 4, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) is spending P7.7 billion this year to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) or lost but unbilled water in its network this year.

Maynilad Central NRW head Ryan Jamora said in a briefing following the media walk-the-line or leak detection activities yesterday that the amount was allocated for NRW management initiatives as it aims to bring down its NRW level to 29 percent this year.

Of the P7.7 billion earmarked for NRW management initiatives, he said that more than 50 percent would be used for pipe replacement.

Pipeline systems deteriorate due to operating conditions such as traffic loading, road works and coastal exposure.

Jamora said many of the pipe systems to be replaced this year are located in Valenzuela.

He said the company is also undertaking projects in Manila, which has the highest NRW level of 38 percent among areas being served.

“As part of our business plan approved by the MWSSRO (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office), we’re looking for and upgrading our equipment with new technologies,” he said.

He said the company is now utilizing artificial intelligence and satellite technology to pinpoint leaks.

NRW management is a key component of Maynilad’s operations to ensure the efficient delivery of treated water to customers.

“Recovering water through NRW reduction helps us optimize existing infrastructure and improve overall system efficiency,” Jamora said.

“Much of this work happens underground through continuous monitoring and early leak detection before problems become visible at the surface,” he said.

Citing a study of the Asian Development Bank, he said that 90 percent of water lost from leaks do not surface.

Through NRW management initiatives, he said the company also helps ensure a proper water system would be available for future generations.

Last year, Maynilad was able to bring down its NRW level to 30.8 percent, equivalent to about 256 million liters per day of recovered water.

Under its approved business plan, Maynilad is aiming to reduce NRW levels to 25 percent by 2027 and to 20 percent by 2030.