MANILA – The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) on Tuesday confirmed the imposition of more than PHP2.038 million worth of penalties against Maynilad Water Services Inc.
This came after the water concessionaire failed in the Total Coliform at a Regulatory Sampling Point (RSP) in Caloocan Pumping Station and Reservoir.
The drinking water standard for total coliform bacteria is <1 or zero colony-forming-units per 100 ml of water sample. This means it should be absent in potable water.
Coliform bacteria is typically found in soil, water, human, and animal wastes which may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
"The penalty is determined on the length of time plus the number of services affected and effect to our consumer," MWSS-RO chief Patrick Ty said in a press conference.
The imposed fines will be in the form of rebates to affected customers under the Implementing Rules and Regulation and revised concessionaire agreement, Ty added.
"The essence of our decision is we are monitoring Manila Water and Maynilad's performance that we do random sampling and we are here to protect the interest of the consumers," Ty said.
Maynilad, in response, said the incident was caused by a contamination in its distribution system.
"That is normally because of the leaks in the system o during water interruption kung saan maaaring pumasok ang contaminants (where the contaminants can enter)," Maynilad Business Area spokesperson Rona Librella said in a separate interview.
Overall, the Maynilad needs to provide PHP530 worth of rebates to each of the water bills of 3,841 affected customers. (PNA)
