Manila Water Co. said Monday it has maintained uninterrupted 24/7 water service across its East Zone concession by keeping water losses below 15 percent despite supply pressures brought about by El Niño.

The Razon-led utility said its low level of non-revenue water (NRW), coupled with diversified water sources, has helped ensure reliable service for its 7.9 million customers during the prolonged dry spell.

“Our diversified water sources have significantly helped strengthen water availability during the ongoing El Niño, but our low NRW has been the silent ally working behind the scenes to ensure that more water reaches our customers,” corporate communications head Dittie Galang said.

In May, Manila Water posted an NRW level of 13.45 percent, bringing its average for the first five months of the year to 14.36 percent.

The company said it has reduced NRW from 63 percent in 1997 to below 15 percent today, adding that every one percentage-point reduction allows at least 15 million liters of treated water a day to reach consumers instead of being lost through leaks and other system inefficiencies.

NRW refers to treated water that does not reach customers because of pipeline leaks, illegal connections, inaccurate metering and other distribution losses.

Manila Water said it continues to keep losses low through active leak detection, pressure management, upgraded monitoring equipment and rapid-response repair teams deployed across its concession area.

The utility also urged customers to promptly report leaks and other service concerns to help minimize water losses.

It added that its water supply has also been reinforced by alternative sources, including the Upper Wawa Dam, East Bay Phase 1 Water Treatment Plant, Cardona Water Treatment Plant and Calawis Water Supply System Phase 1.