Manila Water cuts system loss amid El Niño threat

MANILA—Water distributor Manila Water said it is cutting its system losses as it prepares for a super El Niño that might hit the country next year.

System losses, also referred to as non-revenue water (NRW), refer to treated water that is produced but not billed because the water is lost due to leaks, pipe bursts, illegal connections, tampered meters, and other commercial losses.

Keeping system losses low means more customers get more water.

In August 2026, Manila Water’s system losses were at 14.65 percent. Year-to-date NRW, meanwhile, was at 14.29 percent.

“A one percent reduction in NRW translates to an additional 15-16 million liters delivered to customers,” Manila Water said in a statement.

“As forecasts point to the possibility of a strong El Niño episode which may persist up to 2027, minimizing water losses has become even more critical,” the water distributor said. “Every liter recovered from leaks and other losses translates into more water being made available to households, businesses, and institutions across the East Zone.”

Local government units are now looking to for ways to collect and store rainwater while it is still available, helping ensure water supplies during periods of drought.

Filipinos are also being urged to conserve water as the country braces for the effects of a strong El Niño, which could bring reduced rainfall and water shortages toward the end of 2026 and into the first months of 2027.