I didn't pass this chance when I was invited by Maynilad to join a whole day adult field trip to Angat and Ipo Dams and their La Mesa water treatment facilities. I felt like I have to know the reason myself why we have water shortages in Metro Manila.  I know many of you also experience the same.  Our water supply used to get cut off daily beginning 4pm until 5am the following day.
First stop was the Angat Dam, which is being managed by the Angat Hydropower Corporation, where we had a short discussion on Metro Manila’s Raw Water Source.  I learned that 91% of Maynilad’s raw water supply comes from Angat Dam which is located in Norzagaray Bulacan.  The remaining 9% comes from Laguna Lake.  The Angat Dam serves these main purposes: Power Generation, Irrigation, and Domestic Water Supply through the MWSS.  I also learned that the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is the government agency responsible for allocation of water supply for consumption and irrigation.  The normal allocation for MWSS is 48 cubic meters per second (cms) and is shared among residents of Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan.


Visting Angat Dam and Ipo Dam
We visited Angat Dam following the discussion to see for ourselves the water level as reported in the news.  It’s TRUE, it’s lower than ideal.  I saw that it’s still below expected levels to meet demands of Metro Manila. This is due to scarce rainfall last year, thus NWRB reduced the raw water allocation to 42 cms, from 48cms, for the water concessionaires in Metro Manila, including Maynilad. This is the reason why we experienced daily water service interruptions.  Maynilad was forced to rotate the limited supply allocated by NWRB so that all of its customers will have water, even for just a few hours, daily.
The reduced raw water allocation which was implemented by NWRB is a temporary solution to ensure that there will still be enough water by the time the summer months are here! Basically, they’re trying to preserve the remaining water in the dam until the rains come to replenish it.
We also went to Ipo Dam, which is where the raw water flows downward from Angat Dam and eventually to the Novaliches Portal where the water is divided between Maynilad (West Zone concession) and Manila Water (East Zone concession). 

Ipo Dam played a big role in augmenting the supply shortfall from Angat, allowing Maynilad to suspend the daily water interruptions sometime in August and September 2019.  Although much smaller than Angat Dam and not intended for water storage, the Ipo Dam also receives runoffs from the watersheds. So as long as it is kept full, it can help augment the reduced allocation from Angat Dam.
La Mesa Water Treatment Plant
Maynilad’s water treatment facilities follow very strict standards and continue to operate optimally and efficiently to ensure that we are supplied with clean water every single day.  I appreciated this all the more when we visited the La Mesa Water Treatment Plant 2.
It was discussed to us that the raw water from Angat Dam goes through a multi-stage treatment process that includes the following:

• Screening – water passes through screens to remove foreign objects (leaves, grass for example)
• Rapid Mixing – Chemicals such as chlorine are added to further remove other tiny particles/solids.
• Flocculation – Raw water is stirred so the small clusters of suspended solids will collide and form into large particles called “flocs”
• Sedimentation – Flocs when they get heavier settle at the bottom of the basin.
• Filtration- Water from sedimentation basins is filtered through dual-media filters that trap the flocs as water flows down through them.
• Post Treatment – Chlorine and lime may be added to disinfect water making it safe for consumers and also correcting the pH or acidity levels of the water.

Daily Water Service Interruptions
To look at the brighter side of it, the water service interruptions taught me these things:

• Appreciation of water, thus making efforts to conserve it. 
• Habit-forming for us in the household – working on a schedule or routine teaches discipline.  Kids ensure their used lunch kits are washed before the water supply gets cut off.  People in the household ensure they do their major water-dependent activities on time. 
• Thoughtful gestures – family members now are mindful in making sure bins or pails are always filled so there may be water for others not yet at home when water supply is already cut.  

True it may be not convenient not to have water at certain hours of the day, but limiting usage if it’s for the greater good is better for me – than to totally lose it.  Summer is coming which means water demand and consumption will be greater.


As per Maynilad, as long as the raw water allocation from Angat Dam is below normal, daily service interruptions will be in effect.  In fact, just recently, the NWRB increased allocation to 46 cms—still less than the normal 48 cms, but higher than the previous 42 cms. Maynilad was consequently been able to lift the daily supply interruptions, or isolate it to off-peak hours for some areas. This will be the case until end of March, then the water allocation for succeeding months might be reduced again, depending on how fast the water level in Angat Dam goes down.

Thankfully, Maynilad is doing something to help alleviate the impact of another possible reduced raw water supply allocation:

• Optimizing its Putatan Water Treatment Plant 1 and Commissioning Plant 2, which both get raw water from Laguna Lake
• Reactivating deep wells.
• Sustaining reduction of water losses.
• Purchasing of modular treatment plants that will tap rivers in Cavite.
• Deploying mobile water tankers and stationary water tanks.
• Conducting cloud-seeding operations.

Maynilad also shared that MWSS is currently working on the development of an alternative raw water source to Angat Dam. This is the long-term solution to our water situation.  While this is not yet materializing, as consumers, we are encouraged to use water responsibly.  Simple measures in responsible usage go a long way.
Thank you so much Maynilad for inviting us to visit your water treatment facilities, for bringing us to Angat and Ipo Dams, for patiently educating us about the process of bringing water to our households from its raw sources, and for the solutions you come up in ensuring we will have water to drink, bathe with, and wash and clean things.  The enriching trip definitely made me appreciate water and sparked me to become a lot more mindful than I already am in using and conserving it.  As a responsible mom and citizen, I really will do my part in using water responsibly.

Do you know the saying in love, we don't know what we've got until it's gone?  I oftentimes think what if that happens to our natural resources like trees, mountains, worst - WATER!  I know this may seem way impossible to happen in the near future, but it is possible.  It saddens me to think of how men have abused the environment. I am guilty one way or another.  I bet you're thinking now of that candy wrapper or scratch paper you threw outside your car window or the large amount of water spills you caused for not turning off the faucet while not in use as you brush your teeth.
Speaking of the basic thing I think I cannot live without, WATER, thankfully, we have MAYNILAD which provides wastewater management services and facilities to every Filipino families.  It collects, transports, cleans and disposes used water so that it can be cleaned and safely discharged to receiving bodies of water.  It helps in making sure we get clean water and avoid further "waste" to also ensure we don't get sick.  So you see, Maynilad's role is important to protect its consumers from getting polluted water and in saving the environment.  So that the one I fear the most - TO LOSE WATER in my lifetime or lifetime of my children and the children of their children - won't happen.

Sadly, some people don't really understand how significant their services are.  Some think that the traffic they cause in the metro due to preventive maintenance or their tariff increases to happen this year are all inconveniences or burden.  Some fail to see the long term effect of this to our water systems and our environment as well.  Pero it's the same with our yearly car maintenance which we set aside budget for right?  Maynilad needs to enhance their water and wastewater services, which will ultimately improve the living conditions of Filipinos.  It's logical lang to think that improvements or developments in any organizations or services would imply little costs somewhere.
As consumers and concerned citizens we must do our parts in managing our personal water use to minimize the impact of their Tariff rate increases.

Simple lang naman actually, we all just have to be conscious and intentional, just like how we are with parenting and marriages right?  HOW?  By managing water use to conserve it.  Because LOW consumption also means LOWer rates charged.

Now, ilabas na ang pagiging practical mommies natin.  We want savings, avoid wastage, and always get the value of what we pay for.

PRACTICAL WATER USE MANAGEMENT AT HOME
1. Instead of using running water for cleaning - try pail and dipper or basin.
This is applicable to washing the dishes (make use of the basin instead), to washing the car at home (use pail and cotton rag instead), and to thawing food (get the food out from freezer at an earlier time instead).
2.  Turn off the faucet when not in use.  
This doesn't need any further explanation.  When shaving (saves 300 gallons a month), when brushing teeth (saves 25 gallons a month), washing dishes or washing your face.

3.  Use your broom instead of a hose when cleaning your driveway and sidewalk.
We have a long driveway and yes cleaning is needed everyday.  This could be achieved without wasting water, just sweep sweep away.  We lose calories as we save water use.

4.  Cut your shower by a minute or two to save around 150 gallons of water per month.
I know how us moms, especially when we get some me-time while kids are asleep, take longer period of time in the bathroom with running water or shower over our heads (lalo na if it's warm pa) while making muni-muni even if we're done na.  Let's just wake up to reality and save water - isipin natin the more water is wasted, the more we will be charged when water bill comes.  And while you are at it, keep a bucket near the shower head and use the collected water when flushing your toilet or clean the bathroom too.

5. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon when its cooler.
My mom taught me this and I do this early morning watering.  When the sun is high at noon, the hotter it is and more water is needed in caring for the plants.

6. Collect the water used in rinsing your laundry.  
This sudsy water could still be used in cleaning the driveway or garage or sidewalk, instead of using hose with clean water.
7.  Make sure that your faucet is tightly closed when not in use.

8.  Report pipe leaks and illegal connections
Report to Maynilad hotline 1626 or PM them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MayniladWater/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/maynilad).

These may be simple things to do but honestly, kahit ako I sometimes forget to do so.  We should take action and talk to the family about being disciplined and cooperative.  Great (savings) start from small beginnings right?  Eventually, these small efforts will go a long way and will be for the greater good.

Like what I said earlier, my fear of losing our basic need - WATER - won't happen if we start conserving water and contribute in preserving the environment.  And again, the more we conserve water, we will use less of it.  Less use means lower tariff rate charges.  Less charges mean great savings.

Always be informed about Maynilad's Tariff rate increase this year and advisories by visiting http://www.mayniladwater.com.ph/.  That's what practical moms like us do.  Let's drink (water only!) to that!  Cheers!

LOVE – You will never know what you’ve got until it’s gone. This applies to WATER! My gosh, have you ever been in a situation where you’re full soapy suds and just when you’re about to rinse, there isn’t even a drop of water in the shower? And you can’t even open your already sore and irritated eyes, which are also covered with soap or shampoo, and hindi mo na alam what to do?! If not, then lucky you! If yes, then you would understand the desperation and helplessness I felt that time. And why? Because I wasn’t informed!

Well, actually, the fault was entirely mine. There was an announcement regarding the water interruption in our area but I forgot to take note of the day and time. That’s why the unfortunate thing happened to me in the shower.

In the few times that water services are interrupted due to emergency maintenance activities or dry spells, it’s really important that we have pails of water stored up for emergency purposes. Had I noted the schedule of maintenance, I would have prepared better. But you know what? I remember writing it down somewhere, I guess the small note got lost or thrown away.

Good thing, Maynilad now has a program called TxtTubig wherein household managers like us could keep abreast with announcements and advisories concerning our water supply. I think this program is very convenient, especially since our hands and eyes seem glued to our phones all day anyway. I don’t need to worry about small notes getting lost because I will get pro-active advisories and updates via text.
This means that if there will be a scheduled water service interruption due to maintenance activities that will affect my household, Maynilad will send me a text message ahead of time so I can prepare by storing enough water for the duration of the water cut-off.

How can you get these free messages? To enroll via text, just type MAYNILAD<space>ADVISORY<space>ON<space>Customer’s Contract Account Number<space>NAME<space>MOBILE NUMBER to 0908-8968278. The registration fee is only P1.00.  But registration is FREE for social moms or digital mommas like us, if we enroll through Maynilad’s social media pages (Facebook and Twitter). Just send your Maynilad Contract Account Number (as shown on top of your water bill), the account name, address, and mobile number through direct/private message)to enroll.

I know it’s super hassle whenever there are maintenance activities, but the good thing with TxtTubig is we will be informed so we could prepare ahead of time. Plus, at least we know that the maintenance activities are scheduled to improve and sustain our water services. So TxtTubig na!

Watch this video to know how Maynilad's Wastewater Management really works:

• Updated Maynilad Water Bill showing no outstanding balance
• The septic tank has not been cleaned by Maynilad within 5-7 years
• There is a manhole opening leading to the septic tank that measures at least 2ft by 2ft