Manila Water cleans over 94,000 septic tanks amid El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — As Manila Water prepares its additional water sources and strengthens network resilience measures ahead of the anticipated stronger El Niño in early 2027, the company is also ramping up its sanitation and wastewater management efforts, desludging more than 94,000 septic tanks across its East Zone concession area from January to August 2026 to help protect waterways, preserve water quality, and safeguard public health.

From January to August 2026, Manila Water emptied and cleaned 94,917 septic tanks. In August alone, the company serviced 11,470 septic tanks from non-sewered, sewered-combined, and sewered-hybrid domestic accounts.

The initiative forms part of Manila Water’s continuing commitment to provide reliable wastewater services while supporting environmental protection, particularly during prolonged dry periods brought about by El Niño. Proper septic tank desludging helps prevent untreated wastewater from contaminating rivers, creeks, and other water bodies, preserving water quality when water resources are under increased stress.

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READ: Manila Water urges preventive desludging to protect local waterways

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“As we prepare for the anticipated stronger El Niño conditions in the first months of 2027, it is important that communities have properly maintained sanitation systems. By clearing septic tanks on this scale, we help prevent overflows, protect local waterways from pollution, and ensure customers continue to enjoy safe and healthy communities even as water resources face greater pressure during prolonged dry periods,” Manila Water Corporate Communications Group Head Dittie Galang said.

While Manila Water continues to strengthen its water supply system through the development of additional raw water sources and network resilience initiatives in preparation for the anticipated stronger El Niño in early 2027, the company is likewise intensifying its wastewater and sanitation programs. Proper wastewater management helps ensure that available water resources remain protected from pollution and remain sustainable for future generations.

Complementing its desludging operations, Manila Water maintained strong wastewater treatment performance in August 2026, with all 28 wastewater treatment facilities achieving 100% compliance with standards under the MWSS Regulatory Office Scorecard. The treated water discharged from these facilities consistently met government effluent standards and was suitable for Class C waterways, helping protect rivers and streams while supporting aquatic ecosystems where marine life can thrive.

READ: Manila Water Philippine Ventures ramps up El Niño preparedness

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As climate variability and extreme dry conditions continue to challenge water security, Manila Water emphasizes that wastewater management remains a critical component of protecting both public health and the environment. The company encourages customers to participate in its desludging program to ensure that septic systems function properly and to help reduce pollution in local waterways.

Through its combined investments in water supply, wastewater treatment, and sanitation services, Manila Water continues to help communities prepare for the challenges of El Niño while safeguarding waterways, public health, and long-term water sustainability.