Manila Water Co. Inc. expanded its East Zone network with 14,501 new service connections in the first half of the year as the utility builds up its customer base and water supply capacity across Metro Manila and Rizal.

The company said Monday that of the new connections, 14,149 were residential customers while 352 were commercial and industrial accounts.

In June alone, the company installed 2,332 new connections, bringing its total water service connections to 1.22 million.

The expansion comes as Manila Water continues to invest in its distribution network and alternative water sources to meet growing demand and reduce its reliance on Angat Dam.

As of June, the company managed more than 5,700 kilometers of pipelines across its East Zone concession.

“Our growth in service connections is matched by our investments in water security. By expanding our network and developing alternative water sources, we are ensuring that more customers receive dependable water service today while building a more sustainable and resilient water future for generations to come,” Manila Water Corporate Communication Group Head Dittie Galang said.

Manila Water has been diversifying its raw water sources through infrastructure tapping Laguna Lake and the Upper Marikina River Basin.

Among these facilities are the 100-million-liter-per-day Cardona Water Treatment Plant and the 50-MLD East Bay Phase 1 Water Treatment Plant.

The company also expects to complete the 200-MLD East Bay Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant this year, providing additional capacity to support demand in its service area.

Manila Water is likewise banking on the 710-MLD Upper Wawa Dam and its downstream water supply system projects to further diversify its supply.

These include the 80-MLD Calawis Water Treatment Plant and the soon-to-be completed 220-MLD Kaysakat Water Treatment Plant.

The investments are part of Manila Water’s push to secure additional supply while maintaining continuous 24/7 water service as its East Zone customer base expands.