The company, a subsidiary of Manila Water serving areas outside its East Zone concession, is undertaking water source development, network improvements and operational upgrades through its units Calasiao Water in Pangasinan and Metro Ilagan Water in Isabela.
The investments come as state weather bureau PAGASA identified both provinces as vulnerable to dry conditions and dry spells through the end of 2026, with drought risks extending into the first quarter of 2027.
In a statement, the company said the measures are intended to strengthen water supply reliability, particularly during periods of increased demand and reduced water availability.
Pangasinan upgrades
In Pangasinan, Calasiao Water has implemented a service continuity plan covering water loss reduction, network improvements, deepwell monitoring and preventive maintenance of critical facilities.
The company is also exploring additional water sources while optimizing reservoir utilization and distribution operations to maintain adequate supply during dry periods.
Other measures include operating in-line booster pumps to improve network performance and preparing a mobile water tanker for emergency deployment when necessary.
Calasiao Water is also preparing to commission new deepwells in 2027 to expand its available water sources and improve long-term supply reliability.
These initiatives are expected to help the utility respond to fluctuations in demand and reduce the likelihood of service interruptions during prolonged dry conditions.
Isabela expansion
In Isabela, Metro Ilagan Water has commissioned an additional deepwell to strengthen its existing water supply system while construction continues on a 13-million-liter-per-day (MLD) water treatment plant in Ilagan City.
The treatment facility is being developed in partnership with the City of Ilagan Water District (CIWD).
Before the additional deepwell was commissioned, Metro Ilagan Water relied on two operational deepwells, each capable of producing up to 5 MLD.
Their combined maximum capacity of 10 MLD was sufficient to meet the area's current demand of approximately 6.5 MLD.
However, the company developed another deepwell to provide additional supply flexibility during equipment maintenance, periods of increased consumption or reduced availability of surface water.
Commissioned in May 2026, the new deepwell is now fully operational and serves as an additional source to support water supply reliability.
Climate resilience
MWPV North Luzon operations general manager Francisco Loresco said the company is investing in infrastructure and operational improvements to address increasing climate-related risks.
"Across our service areas, we recognize that climate change and extreme weather events such as El Niño pose increasing challenges to water security," Loresco said.
He said investments in water source development, system optimization and infrastructure improvements are intended to sustain reliable water services. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
