Manila Water complies with gov’t wastewater rules

Manila Water said on Friday it continues to meet government wastewater standards across all its sewage treatment plants, posting 100-percent compliance in November 2025 and consistently surpassing the 95-percent regulatory target. This achievement underscores its commitment to safeguarding rivers and communities through responsible wastewater management, the company said in a statement.

The standards cover key indicators such as biochemical oxygen demand, oil and grease, total suspended solids, surfactants and fecal coliform, as required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Laguna Lake Development Authority. All 28 wastewater treatment facilities operated by Manila Water complied with these requirements, reinforcing the company’s focus on environmental protection and regulatory excellence.

Strengthening these efforts is the newly inaugurated Hinulugang Taktak Sewage Treatment Plant in Antipolo City which can treat up to 16 million liters of wastewater daily and supports the rehabilitation of the Hinulugang Taktak National Park and the Upper Marikina River Basin.

“Manila Water is expanding sustainable wastewater services across the East Zone by adding treatment capacity, extending networks and maintaining strict compliance with effluent standards to protect waterways and advance climate resilience,” Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.

All treated effluent discharged by the company’s sewage treatment plants complies with standards for Class C receiving waters, a classification intended for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources, recreational activities such as boating and fishing and agricultural uses including irrigation.

As of October 2025, Manila Water has a total of 361,177 connections in its sewer network, and continues to invest in projects that improve sanitation and reduce pollution, ensuring cleaner waterways for generations to come.