Manila Water completes P158-M tech upgrade

Razon-led Manila Water Company, Inc. has completed a P158.16-million lightning and surge protection project across eight critical facilities within the San Juan Grid, reinforcing its infrastructure against electrical disruptions.

The east zone concessionaire said on Tuesday that the tech upgrade, already 100 percent complete, is expected to improve safety, extend the life of key assets, reduce hazards, and yield long-term cost savings through improved compliance and minimized service disruptions.

Covered facilities include the Cubao Pumping Station, Balara Pumping Stations 1 and 2, Maybunga Pumping Station, N. Domingo Pumping Stations 1 and 2, Pasig Pumping Station, and San Juan Pumping Station 1.

“This investment is a proactive measure to safeguard our facilities, our personnel, and the communities we serve,” Manila Water Director for Corporate Communications Affairs Jeric Sevilla said.

“By enhancing the resilience of our pumping stations, we are ensuring the continuity of water service even in the face of extreme weather events and electrical disturbances,” Sevilla added.

Key enhancements include the installation of Static Dissipating Air Terminal Lightning Protection Systems to safely redirect lightning strikes away from essential infrastructure. Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors were also deployed to protect sensitive electrical and electronic equipment from voltage spikes. 

Additionally, upgraded grounding systems now ensure better dissipation of electrical currents into the ground, helping prevent equipment failure and downtime.