Manila Water ramps up El Niño defenses with Calawis treatment facility

Manila Water is intensifying preparations for extended El Niño weather patterns by deploying additional capacity from its Calawis Water Treatment Plant in Antipolo City, Rizal province. The facility, which processes 80 million liters daily, is being positioned as a critical buffer against potential water supply disruptions in the coming months.

The company's strategy reflects growing concern over climate patterns that forecasters suggest may persist through the first semester of 2027. By leveraging the Calawis plant's substantial output, Manila Water aims to maintain adequate supply across its service territory in eastern Metro Manila despite anticipated dry conditions.

The Calawis facility represents a significant component of Manila Water's diversified water sourcing approach, which includes surface water from Laguna de Bay and groundwater resources. Officials indicated the plant's enhanced utilization forms part of a broader resilience framework designed to safeguard supply reliability during extended dry periods.

Manila Water serves approximately 1.6 million residents across the eastern zones of the metropolitan area. The utility has previously implemented water rationing and conservation measures during severe droughts, making proactive infrastructure deployment critical to minimizing service interruptions during the anticipated El Niño period.