From 2006 to date, the West Zone concessionaire has replaced over 3,293 kilometers of deteriorated pipelines—roughly the distance between Manila and Tokyo—underscoring the scale of its infrastructure rehabilitation program.
These efforts are central to its long-running Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Management Program, which leverages new technologies and data-driven strategies to reduce water losses and enhance supply reliability for millions of customers in Metro Manila and Cavite.
The company’s extensive pipe replacement drive addresses one of the most persistent challenges in urban water management: NRW losses caused mainly by aging infrastructure. Highly populated and low-lying coastal areas, where older pipelines are especially vulnerable to leaks and bursts, stand to benefit the most from the ongoing upgrades.
“Our NRW reduction program is a sustained, multi-year commitment,” said Engr. Ryan Jamora, Maynilad’s Central NRW head. “Replacing aging pipelines is a critical part of this strategy, as it not only reduces water losses but also improves pressure and reliability for our customers.”
As of end-2024, physical losses—mainly due to leaking or damaged pipes—accounted for 90 percent of Maynilad’s NRW, with commercial losses from illegal connections and metering issues comprising the remaining 10 percent, consistent with disclosures in the company’s approved business plan.
The company is targeting a reduction in NRW or water losses to 34 percent by the end of 2025, a significant drop from the 66 percent recorded prior to Maynilad’s re-privatization in 2007.
“We are leveraging advanced technologies and the expertise of our skilled teams to sustain water loss recovery across our network,” added Jamora.
Under its 2023–2027 Business Plan, Maynilad is focusing pipe replacement efforts on high-loss zones, working in close coordination with local government units and stakeholders to minimize disruptions and ensure project support. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
