Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
At a Glance
- The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) assures no additional tariff charges for Maynilad Water Services Inc.’s modular treatment plant (MTP).
- Estimated cost for customers remains at P0.32 per cubic meter (mcm), within the budget for bulk water purchase.
- The MTP near Putatan Treatment Plant 1 in Muntinlupa will supply 20 million liters per day (MLD) and benefit consumers in the area.
- RENDCO Water Infrastructure Inc. (RENDCO) highlights the efficiency of the MTP’s new technology.
- The MTP will reduce water interruptions, especially in the dry season, and mitigate high turbidity levels in Laguna Lake.
- RENDCO will use pressurized ceramic ultrafiltration membranes instead of polymeric materials for improved filtration.
- Ceramic membranes are stronger, easier to replace, and can withstand aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) assured that the construction of Maynilad Water Services Inc.’s modular treatment plant (MTP) will not impose any additional tariff charges.
During the Public Consultation Drive on Friday, Nov. 17, Israel C. Bungay, the senior public utilities regulation officer of MWSS said that the estimated cost for customers will remain at P0.32 per cubic meter (mcm).
The estimate is within the budget for the bulk water purchase.
The construction of the MTP near the Putatan Treatment Plant 1 in Muntinlupa is expected to supply 20 million liters per day (MLD) and provide greater benefits to consumers within the area.
Elinor R. Mendez, the president and chief operating officer of RENDCO Water Infrastructure Inc. (RENDCO) shared the efficiency of the plant’s new technology.
“[The MTP] will reduce water interruptions, especially during the dry season, as well as mitigate the high turbidity levels of Laguna Lake,” she said.
RENDCO, who is in charge of the construction, also presented that they will shift from polymeric materials to pressurized ceramic ultrafiltration membranes.
Membrane filtration is necessary to effectively remove harmful substances from the water.
“This [ceramic material] is stronger, it will be easier to replace the membranes, and we can use the filtration device against aggressive chemicals even during the highest temperatures,” Mendez explained.
She also added that the materials to be used for the MTP will have 5 to 20 years of longevity.
Besides the membrane, RENDCO also showcased a nanobubble generator that aims to minimize algal bloom in the lake during summer, reduce operational shutdowns due to maintenance, and diminish the unnatural taste and smell of treated water that could affect public health.
Moreover, Maynilad affirmed that necessary repercussions would be made if the MTP fails to achieve the water safety goals.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Wawa Bulk Water Supply project of Maynilad will expect certain changes in tariff.
According to the MWSS regulation officer, there will be a P2.32 per cm change within the rebasing period of 2028 to 2032.
The Wawa project in Rizal is expected to operate by 2026. — Gabriell Christel Galang
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
