The MWSS administrator who discussed “Water Security and Sustainability” shared the stage at the Philwater plenary session with its two concessionaires – Manila Water president and CEO Ferdinand M. de la Cruz who talked about “Wastewater Management” and Maynilad president Ramoncito S. Fernandez who discussed “Enhancing Resiliency of Water Operations in the Face of Climate Change.” Velasco told conference delegates of the various infrastructure projects being undertaken by MWSS and its three concessionaires to ensure water security and sustainability under the President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program of government as well as its future plans and programs even as he assured there is no looming water crisis in the near future in Metro Manila.
Velasco made the statement even as the country has fallen below the international “water stress” threshold of 1,700 m3 per year and fast approaching the “water scarcity” threshold of 1,000 m3 per year.
Using the 2018 population of 107 million against the fresh water supply of 146 BCM, per capita availability stands at 1,553 m3 per year.
The water-availability-per-capita situation in the country represents the country’s water security issue.
Among the projects he discussed were the Angat security projects, Bulacan Bulk Water Supply project, and the newly-approved Kaliwa Dam project.
Corollary to the water security program is sewerage and wastewater management which according to the MWSS Administrator “is where the next challenge will be since at this point, there is only 14 percent overall sewerage coverage.” By the end of the concession term in 2037, 100 percent of households will be provided with water treatment coverage, a commitment from both concessionaires.
When completed, the new facilities will have a combined treatment capacity of about 120 million cubic meters per year.
These will increase sewerage coverage in the West Zone to 26% once these projects are completed in 2022.
On the other hand, Manila Water is undertaking the Rizal Province Water Supply Improvement Project (RPWSIP), a water treatment facility capable of treating initially up to 50 million liters per day of potable water, transmission mainlines and distribution lines.
Topics: Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System , Reynaldo V. Velasco , 25th PWWA International Conference and Exhibition COMMENT DISCLAIMER: Reader comments posted on this Web site are not in any way endorsed by Manila Standard.