The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) expects six new water treatment plants to begin operations within the year, adding 452 million liters per day of processing capacity for Metro Manila's two concession holders, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc. The additional capacity is intended to mitigate the impact of dry conditions that officials expect to start peaking late this year.

"We reassure the public that MWSS and our concessionaires have proactive measures in place to mitigate the impact of this strong El Niño," MWSS Department Manager Patrick James B. Dizon told BusinessWorld.

The state weather agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), announced the onset of the El Niño in June. A month later, Angat Dam — the main reservoir serving Metro Manila — fell to its all-time low elevation of 150.42 meters, though it has since recovered following the arrival of consecutive storms in conjunction with the southwest monsoon, known locally as the Habagat. The swing from record low to recovery within weeks shows how quickly the supply picture can shift for a capital region that draws from one principal reservoir.

El Niño raises the likelihood of drier-than-normal conditions in parts of the Philippines, potentially triggering droughts and dry spells, while also bringing fewer but possibly stronger tropical cyclones. In its Sept. 23 advisory, PAGASA said a strong El Niño is currently active in the Tropical Pacific and is expected to intensify into a "very strong El Niño" through December and persist through the first half of 2027.

Despite Angat Dam's record low, Mr. Dizon said no severe water interruptions have occurred. "This is because the MWSS and our concessionaires have prepared and we are able to operate our contingency and mitigating measures," he said.

In the West Zone, Maynilad corporate communications head Jennifer C. Rufo said water availability remains stable. "We will continue to adjust operations as necessary and maintain our preparedness measures as El Niño conditions develop," she said via Viber. The company plans to tap Laguna de Bay, recycle treated wastewater, deploy modular treatment facilities, and continue reducing non-revenue water.

Dittie L. Galang, head of Manila Water's corporate communications, said the East Zone concessionaire is prepared to keep supply steady. "We have long been prepared for this El Niño episode and we are ready to continue providing 24/7 water supply to our customers," she said.

Mr. Dizon said customers need to conserve water as a further backstop to the measures undertaken by the government and its concession holders. "Managing our water supply requires a collective effort. Beyond government action, we need also every customers to join us with this effort by using water wisely and avoiding unnecessary wastage," he added.

The MWSS obtained an October water allocation of 44 cubic meters per second (cms) from the National Water Resources Board, up from the 42-cms quota in September. Angat Dam's elevation and the board's monthly allocation decisions will be among the indicators to watch as the dry conditions build toward their projected late-year peak, with El Niño expected to persist through the first half of 2027. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera