MANILA - Water rates are set to rise next year as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System's regulatory office announced adjustments in the tariffs of water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water starting January 1, 2025.

This corresponds to the third tranche of the 5-year rate rebasing of both concessionaires beginning 2023.

For Manila Water, the actual average increase is P7.58  per cubic meter for sewered lines and P5.95 per cubic meter for unsewered lines like residential customers. From an average tariff of P55.08 per cubic meter, it will increase to P61.04 for Manila Water.

For Maynilad, the actual average increase is P8.11 per cubic meter for sewered lines and P7.32 for unsewered lines. From an average tariff of P58.30 cubic meter, Maynilad's average tariff is now P65.62 starting January 2025.

MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty said Maynilad was also granted an increase in the environment charge from 20 percent to 25 percent.

For the foreign currency differential adjustment (FCDA) which is done quarterly, Maynilad's rate is down while Manila Water is up, both were already factored in the total computation.

When asked if the upward adjustments are justified, Ty said both concessionaires have spent on various projects that result in better service for consumers. 

With these hefty rate adjustments, Ty assured consumers there will be no water crisis next year similar to what happened in 2019, but water interruptions may still happen due to emergencies and maintenance works.

According to Ty, the impact of the rate hike for consumers is as follows:

	MAYNILAD
Consumption	Monthly Water Bill	Increase
Lifeline (10 cu m or less)	P151.04	P10.56
Regular (10 cu m or less)	P181.59	P20.08
20 cu m	P682.66	P75.89
30 cu m	P1,394.69	P155.32

	MANILA WATER
Consumption	Monthly Water Bill	Increase
Lifeline (10 cu m or less)	P91.40	P2.87
Regular (10 cu m or less)	P254.83	P24.68
20 cu m	P563.46	P54.79
30 cu m	P1,148.73	P111.83

PROTEST

More than 20 members of Bayan Muna picketed in front of the MWSS regulatory office to protest the upcoming water rate increase.

But Ty said the rate hike is important for the water concessionaires to continue building facilities that will improve water supply and sewage for the environment.