Manila Water issues advisory on water meter theft, tampering
Manila Water, the East Zone water and used water service provider, has advised its customers to be vigilant against water meter thieves especially those customers whose water meters are located at a distance from their residences.
Manila Water spokesperson, OIC for corporate strategic affairs group and corporate communications head Jeric Sevilla issued the advisory to ensure that its customers are fully aware of the need to be on guard against thieves in light of 139 cases of stolen meters reported from January to October this year.
“We would like to advise our customers in the east zone concession area to protect their water meters and to immediately report incidences of meter theft to the local authorities or the nearest Manila Water office,” Sevilla said as he encouraged customers to put a lock or metal cage to safeguard their water meters.
The same warning also applies to owners of junk shops who buy stolen meters, an act that is illegal and punishable under the Anti-Fencing Law.
Manila Water also cautioned residential owners, business establishments and offices against meter-tampering adding that only representatives of the company are allowed to conduct repairs or replacement in case their water meters are no longer working or in need of repair.
“The water meters that we installed have a warranty of five to seven years,” Sevilla added. We also encourage households and owners of commercial and business establishments to report malfunctioning or defective meters for immediate replacement.
Manila Water provides water and used water services to the eastern portion of Metro Manila that includes 6.3 million customers in Pasig, Makati, San Juan, Taguig, Pateros, Marikina, Mandaluyong and parts of Quezon City and Manila as well as several towns of Rizal province.