How robotic cleaning helps Manila Water protect supply, safety, and sustainability—without draining reservoirs.

Keeping Water Flowing Through Extreme Conditions

In the Philippines’ densely populated capital region, where drinking water systems must operate under constant environmental pressure, Manila Water plays a vital role in delivering safe potable water and wastewater services to more than seven million people. The combination of rapid urbanization and a tropical climate characterized by heavy rainfall, typhoons, and accelerated biological growth creates ideal conditions for sediment buildup and algae formation in uncovered reservoirs.

To overcome these challenges and move away from disruptive, water-intensive cleaning methods, Manila Water adopted Weda’s robotic cleaning technology as part of its operational efficiency and risk-reduction strategy. The impact was immediate.

“Before Weda, reservoir cleaning meant draining millions of liters. Now it’s fast, safe, and sustainable.”
— Engineering Manager, Manila Water

Traditionally, sediment removal required full reservoir shutdowns, reduced pumping efficiency, and large-scale water disposal conflicting directly with sustainability goals and emergency preparedness requirements. By deploying the YT-800 robotic cleaner, Manila Water introduced a method for regular underwater sediment removal while reservoirs remain fully operational.

The robotic system enables continuous cleaning without draining, minimizing service disruptions and significantly reducing personnel exposure to hazardous conditions. This approach also strengthens resilience during extreme weather events, ensuring reservoirs remain functional and ready during floods or typhoons.

Today, Manila Water operates with improved pumping efficiency, lower water loss, and enhanced safety standards. The integration of Weda’s robotic cleaning solution demonstrates how utilities in climate-vulnerable, high-density regions can modernize infrastructure while safeguarding both water resources and public health.