The National Water Resources Board is increasing its water allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, citing the importance of water in the containing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
This developed as water concessionaires are implementing mixed rate movements for next month.
In a statement, NWRB said the decision to increase water allocation to MWSS was reached after a consultation with the Technical Working Group on the Angat Dam operations.
It said the water allocation for MWSS was increased from 42 to 46 cubic meters per second starting yesterday. The allocation will be maintained until March 31.
“This is to ensure the steady water supply for Metro Manila considering the declaration of the state of public health emergency and the importance of water in undertaking the preventive measures against COVID-19,” the NWRB said.
The NWRB assured there is enough water supply for Metro Manila for the entire year, though it appealed for responsible use of water.
Meanwhile, Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company Inc. are set to implement mixed water rate adjustments next month due to changes on the foreign currency differential adjustments (FCDA) and other charges.
FCDA is the tariff mechanism granted to utility companies to allow it to recover losses or give back gains arising from the fluctuating movements of the peso against other currencies as the concessionaires pays foreign-dominated fees as well as loans to fund projects that will improve service for its customers.
Maynilad will effect an FCDA of -0.21 percent of its 2020 average basic charge of P36.24 per cubic meter (cu. m.) or -P0.08 per cu. m. which will result in an upward adjustment of P0.05 per cu. m. compared to the first quarter FCDA of -P0.13 per cu. m.
For its customers consuming an average of 10 cu.m. per month or less, the adjustment will translate to an increase of P0.18 in their monthly water bill. Those consuming 20 cu. m. per month will see an upward adjustment of P0.69, while those consuming 30 cu.m. per month will have P1.40 more charge in their monthly bill.
Manila Water customers consuming an average of 10 cu.m. per month or less will see an adjustment that will translate to a decrease of P1.11 in their monthly water bill. Those consuming 20 cu. m. per month’s monthly bill will go down by P2.46, while those consuming 30 cu.m. per month will have P5.02 lower charge in their monthly bill.
The company will implement an FCDA of 1.69 percent of its average basic charge of P28.52 per cu. m. or P0.48 per cu. m. It is a downward adjustment of P0.21 per cu. m. compared to the first quarter FCDA of P0.69 per cu. m. (With J. Macapagal)
