EAST ZONE concessionaire Manila Water Co., Inc. said it ended 2025 with a non‑revenue water (NRW) level of 13.55%, which it said was among the “lowest in Asia.”

The full-year NRW averaged 14.27%, which the company attributed to operational efficiency upgrades across its network. The average is a step back from 2024’s 13.51%.

“Keeping NRW low allows more of the water we produce to reach our customers. Every liter we save strengthens the system and helps ensure that households continue to enjoy reliable, 24/7 water service,” Jeric T. Sevilla, Manila Water’s communication affairs group director, said in statement on Monday.

NRW refers to water lost due to leaks and illegal connections, which are not billed to customers.

According to Manila Water, reducing NRW translates to more water that can be delivered to households.

Every percentage-point improvement in NRW can result in savings of up to 15 million liters of water per day.

Manila Water said system efficiency remains its priority, which will entail targeted pipe and meter replacements, pressure optimization, active district metered area monitoring, and enhanced digital tools to improve response time to leaks.

Manila Water serves over 7.8 million customers in the East Zone of Metro Manila, parts of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, as well as several towns in Rizal province. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera