The government will reduce effective April 1 Metro Manila’s water tariff rates with Manila Water residential tariff decreasing by P9.89 for the average 30 cubic meter (cu.m.) use per month and P3.04 for the average of 26 cu.m. use monthly of Maynilad customers.

The rate reduction is due to Foreign Currency Differential Adjustment (FCDA) of the two concessionaires, according to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Chairman Ramon Alikpala. It is notable that the country’s currency has been appreciating considerably against the dollar. Both concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad have dollar denominated loans.

“The difference in tariff impact between the two concessionaires is due to certain variations in their loan portfolios,” said MWSS Acting Chief Regulator Emmanuel L. Caparas in a statement.

Commercial establishments subscribing to Manila Water that consume an average of 155 cu.m. per month will be able to save P154.14, while industrial establishments will save P167.53 for the same amount of water consumption.

Maynilad customers classified as semi-business that consume an average of 26 cu.m. per month will have savings of P4.18 per month. Commercial establishments with an average water consumption of 251 cu.m. will pay P96.64, while industrial companies will have P105.06 savings for the same volume of consumption.

Manila Water’s East Zone area covers parts of Quezon City and Makati, the southeastern parts of Manila, Taguig, Pateros, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Rizal province. The West Zone includes parts of Manila and Quezon City, west of South Super Highway in Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon as well as the municipalities of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite province.

Aside from adjusting rates based on foreign currency movements, MWSS is looking at several avenues by which it could reduce water rates.

It is implementing with the National Computer Center a three-year Information System Strategic Program (ISSP).

“Knowledge management, operational efficiency and cost reduction efforts will improve dramatically with the ISSP,” said the MWSS.

MWSS is in the process of approving a new organization structure and is improving its rank and file’s compensation based on the overall Compensation Position and Classification System of all government owned and controlled corporations.

Its water distribution efficiency and sewerage and sanitation compliance through both concessionaires will cover all common facilities downstream of the Angat water supply system.

These facilities include water treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations, water distribution pipeline networks, sewer and sanitation plants, facilities, and networks.

“MWSS, as the asset owner needs to ensure that these are in accordance with standards and targets agreed upon by the partners in keeping with their original (1997-2022) and term extension (2022-2037) Concession Agreements for the East and West zones,” said MWSS.