Manila Water cuts system losses ahead of El Niño impact

MANILA — Manila Water is fortifying its infrastructure and operations as it braces for a severe El Niño weather phenomenon expected to strain water resources across the region. The water utility has achieved a significant operational milestone by keeping system losses, technically termed non-revenue water (NRW), below 15 percent.

Non-revenue water represents treated water lost through leakage, theft, and metering errors before it reaches customers. By maintaining losses at this level, Manila Water demonstrates performance metrics comparable to water utilities operating in developed nations, underscoring the company's commitment to operational excellence during critical periods.

The achievement reflects Manila Water's ongoing efforts to maximize the efficiency of every liter of treated water entering its distribution network. As El Niño conditions typically reduce rainfall and stress water reserves, utilities across Asia are intensifying efforts to minimize system losses and preserve supplies.

The company's focus on reducing non-revenue water comes as water managers across the Philippines and Southeast Asia prepare contingency measures for the dry season conditions anticipated with the strong El Niño pattern. Maintaining lower system losses becomes crucial during periods of constrained water availability.