MAYNILAD POOR WATER QUALITY, CUSTOMERS IN CALOOCAN TO RECEIVE REBATE

Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) will have to pay a fine for its contaminated water through a rebate that will be received by Maynilad customers in Caloocan after it was discovered that the water quality in the area does not pass the national standards.

Contaminated or found to have a slightly high total coliform level, that is what came out of the water sampling conducted by the Metropolitan Water Works and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) in the water supplied by Maynilad to several barangays in Caloocan from November 29 to December 19, 2023.

The MWSS imposed a financial penalty against Maynilad over P2 million (Photo courtesy of GMA News)

According to MWSS, nearly 4,000 water service connections in 14 barangays are affected. So MWSS fines Maynilad up to P2 million through rebates or refunds to customers. This means that in the month of July, there will be a P530.69 reduction in the water bill of each of the affected water service connections. If the bill is not enough, the excess will be reduced the next month.

Total coliform is a type of bacteria commonly found in soil or plants, high levels of which are dangerous for those with sensitive stomachs. 

“It is still drinkable, but again, it is still risky already. They might have some upset stomach, they might have gastro reaction, so we want to avoid that situation so that Manila water and Maynilad should always maintain their service levels,” Chief Regulator of MWSS RO Atty. Patrick Ty stated.

The MWSS and Maynilad insisted that it was an isolated accident and that the water problem in Caloocan was fixed immediately. Maynilad has made adjustments to make sure it doesn't happen again. Including responding to leaks and closing illegal connections.

"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 added.

This is the first time MWSS imposed a penalty due to low water quality, aside from Caloocan, some Maynilad customers in Imus Cavite will also receive a separate refund due to the water quality issue.

Source: ASB-CBN News 

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