Manila Water expands sewer coverage in Pasig to advance public health

Manila Water has expanded its sewer coverage in Pasig City, completing key infrastructure projects aimed at improving public health and environmental sustainability. The newly finished North Pasig Package 2 Sta. Monica Network and Lift Station Projects mark a major step forward in the company's efforts to enhance sanitation services within its East Zone concession. This expansion is part of the North and South Pasig Sewerage System, which falls under Manila Water’s Three River Masterplan. The plan seeks to rehabilitate the Pasig-Marikina-San Juan River System while increasing access to reliable sanitation for residents in the region. The Sta. Monica Network Project consists of a 0.165-kilometer gravity main and a 1.38-kilometer force main. Pipe depths range from 2 to 5 meters, and the pipes vary in size from 250 to 400 millimeters. Open-cut excavation was used during construction to ensure the safe and efficient installation of these essential sewer components. The project is designed to collect wastewater from homes and transport it to treatment facilities, reducing the risk of contamination and minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants. This new infrastructure is expected to bring substantial benefits to the community. By properly treating wastewater, the system helps prevent untreated sewage from entering local water bodies, thus protecting aquatic ecosystems and supporting the restoration of rivers that are crucial for recreation and livelihoods. Once fully operational, the North and South Pasig Sewerage System will serve approximately 652,000 residents across Pasig City and parts of Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Taytay, and Cainta, Rizal. Within Pasig City alone, the system will cover roughly 60 percent of the area, significantly increasing access to safe and reliable sanitation services. Wastewater collected through this network will be transported to the Ilugin Sewage Treatment Plant for processing. After undergoing proper treatment, the effluent will meet the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for Class C water quality. This level of treatment ensures the water is suitable for aquatic life and allows for recreational activities such as boating and fishing along the riverbanks. Manila Water Corporate Communications Department Head Dittie Galang emphasized the importance of the project, stating that expanding access to proper wastewater treatment helps ensure that more communities enjoy cleaner environments, lower health risks, and waterways capable of sustaining life for future generations. The initiative aligns with several national and local environmental objectives, including the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, the Supreme Court Mandamus on Manila Bay rehabilitation, and the ongoing efforts of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Pasig City has been actively pursuing a greener and more environmentally responsible urban landscape, and this project contributes directly to those goals. As Manila Water continues working toward achieving full sanitation coverage in the East Zone, continued investment in sewer infrastructure remains a top priority. Expanding sewer networks ensures that more households are connected to safe wastewater services, reinforcing the company’s commitment to public health, environmental protection, and the long-term recovery of the country’s vital river systems. The completion of the Sta. Monica Network and Lift Station Projects represents a tangible milestone in Manila Water’s mission to provide improved sanitation and environmental stewardship across the region. The company plans to continue developing similar infrastructure to further its goal of ensuring clean and healthy living conditions for all residents in its service areas.