Maynilad Achieves Major Milestone in Water Loss Reduction, Boosting Supply for Millions

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has recorded a significant improvement in operational efficiency after reducing its Non-Revenue Water (NRW) level to 30.7% by the end of 2025, down from 38.4% in December 2024. The 7.7 percentage-point reduction translated into the recovery of approximately 256 million liters of water per day—an amount comparable to the output of a full-scale water treatment plant and sufficient to meet the daily needs of more than 1.6 million people. On a year-to-date basis, Maynilad posted an average NRW of 34.9%, marking a five percentage-point improvement from 2024 and demonstrating sustained progress toward long-term efficiency goals.

Maynilad attributed the gains to the consistent execution of its multi-pronged NRW reduction strategy, which focuses on maximizing existing assets while ensuring responsible water stewardship. According to Chief Operating Officer Christopher J. Lichauco, every liter of water recovered strengthens system efficiency by reducing the need for excess water production, allowing the company to optimize treatment, pumping, and distribution while improving service reliability for customers.

Throughout 2025, the company intensified leak detection and repair initiatives, addressing more than 70,000 small leaks—22% higher than the previous year—alongside repairs to 206 major pipe leaks in primary distribution lines. It also replaced 82 kilometers of aging pipelines in high-loss areas, further reducing system vulnerabilities and improving network integrity.

Technology played a growing role in these efforts, with Maynilad deploying AI-assisted leak detection tools such as Infrawise and piloting the Geo-AI Leak Locator (GAILL) to enhance field productivity and pinpoint leaks more accurately, particularly in challenging locations. Central NRW Head Engr. Ryan B. Jamora noted that these innovations have enabled faster and more effective interventions, complementing traditional methods.

NRW reduction remains a central pillar of Maynilad’s service reliability and sustainability strategy. With continued investments in infrastructure, technology, and operational excellence, the company is working toward its committed target of reducing NRW to 25% by 2027, as outlined in its 2023–2027 rate rebasing business plan.