Manila Water eyes completing San Juan Reservoir by end of 2026

MANILA, Philippines — As climate-related challenges and natural hazards become more frequent and severe, Manila Water is strengthening the resilience of its water supply infrastructure through the ongoing construction of the new San Juan Reservoir, a critical facility designed to withstand major earthquakes and support reliable water service for decades to come.

Targeted for completion by the end of 2026, the new 56-million-liter (ML) reservoir will replace the existing San Juan Reservoir and serve as a more robust and resilient water storage facility for communities in Metro Manila. Designed in accordance with modern engineering standards, the new reservoir incorporates upgraded structural, electrical, instrumentation, and mechanical systems that will help ensure uninterrupted service even in the face of increasing environmental and seismic risks.

The project forms part of Manila Water’s continuing investments to modernize and future-proof its water infrastructure amid growing challenges posed by urbanization, extreme weather events, and natural disasters.

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The replacement project was pursued following extensive structural assessments of the existing San Juan Reservoir, which was originally constructed in 1968.

Engineering studies conducted by DCCD Engineering Corporation in 2011 and 2016 identified significant deterioration in the facility’s roof slab and walls resulting from decades of service. The assessments also indicated a high risk of structural failure during major seismic events, including a potential 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

In addition, the reservoir’s top slab had undergone several repairs due to holes and other defects that could potentially compromise the quality and safety of stored water supplying the San Juan Pumping Station.

Recognizing the need to enhance the long-term reliability and disaster resilience of the facility, Manila Water moved forward with the replacement of the aging reservoir.

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With a total project cost of more than ₱970 million, the undertaking covers the demolition of the existing reservoir and the design and construction of the new 56-ML facility, including all associated electrical, instrumentation, mechanical, and site development works.

As of July 2026, construction progress has reached 84 percent, with work continuing toward the project’s targeted completion by the end of the year.

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Once operational, the new San Juan Reservoir will strengthen the reliability of water supply service while providing greater resilience against earthquakes and other hazards that could affect critical water infrastructure.

“By investing in more resilient facilities, such as the San Juan Reservoir, we are enhancing our ability to continue delivering safe, reliable, and uninterrupted water service to the communities we serve, even during disruptive events,” Manila Water Corporate Communications Group Head Dittie Galang said.

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The new San Juan Reservoir underscores Manila Water’s commitment to building infrastructure that not only meets growing water demand but also strengthens the resilience of the East Zone’s water supply system in an increasingly hazard-prone environment.