Manila Water maximizes Cardona WTP for strong El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — As Manila Water gears up for the anticipated strong El Niño conditions, which may persist up to the first semester of 2027, the company is maximizing the capacity of its Cardona Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to help ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for customers across the East Zone.

Located in Cardona, Rizal, the 100-million-liter-per-day facility draws raw water from Laguna Lake, providing Manila Water with an additional water source that complements supplies from Angat Dam and other facilities.

Under favorable raw water quality conditions, the plant’s output can be maximized to as much as 110 MLD, further enhancing supply availability during periods of increased demand and prolonged dry weather. By optimizing the plant’s operations, Manila Water is strengthening its ability to meet customer demand during challenging climate conditions.

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READ: Manila Water better prepared than ever for strong El Niño

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Operational since 2019, the Cardona WTP forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to diversify its water sources and lessen dependence on a single supply source. This approach has become increasingly important as climate variability continues to pose challenges to water availability.

“Preparing for climate challenges requires maximizing every available source of water. The Cardona Water Treatment Plant plays a vital role in our preparations for the looming strong El Niño by providing additional operational flexibility and enabling us to optimize available supply when conditions allow, helping ensure reliable water service for our customers,” said Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Head Dittie Galang.

The facility currently provides 24/7 piped water service to approximately 800,000 residents in the Rizal municipalities of Cardona, Binangonan, Morong, Baras, Jala-Jala, Angono, and Taytay, as well as portions of Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City. By serving these communities through a dedicated supply source, the plant also helps ease pressure on Manila Water’s broader distribution network that serves Metro Manila.

The Cardona WTP is likewise designed to support supply reliability during periods of water stress. Equipped with advanced treatment processes, including reverse osmosis capability and a 6-MLD Backwash Water Recovery System, the facility helps sustain continuous service during dry spells, seasonal demand increases, and El Niño events.

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READ: Manila Water boosts safety, efficiency, climate resilience of facilities

The facility is one of several investments supporting Manila Water’s water supply resilience

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program. Alongside source development projects in Laguna Lake and the Upper Wawa watershed, including the near-complete 200-MLD East Bay Phase 2 Water Supply System Project and the 220-MLD Kaysakat Water Treatment Plant, Cardona WTP contributes to a diversified supply portfolio that enables the company to draw water from multiple sources when needed.

By maximizing existing assets such as the Cardona WTP while advancing new source development projects, Manila Water continues to strengthen water security and ensure dependable service for the growing communities it serves.