Manila Water Accelerates Batasan–Balara Wastewater Project for Cleaner Waterways

Project aims to improve sanitation, reduce pollution, and benefit over 5,700 households in Quezon City and Marikina.

Manila Water is accelerating the Batasan–Balara Flow Diversion Project to help improve water quality, expand sanitation coverage, and support healthier communities in Quezon City and Marikina.

The project is designed to divert wastewater from the Batasan–Balara area to the Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant, where it can be properly treated before being released back into the environment.

By preventing untreated wastewater from flowing into nearby creeks and rivers, the project helps reduce pollution load in urban waterways and supports cleaner communities.

The Batasan–Balara Flow Diversion Project includes two major components: the construction of the Vista Real Creek and Nangka lift stations, and force main pipelaying works.

Together, these facilities are expected to strengthen Manila Water’s sewer network and expand access to sanitation services in densely populated areas.

The system includes a channel interceptor and lift station at Vista Real Creek, supported by a pipeline network that passes through the floodwall jogging lane, crosses the Marikina River, and conveys wastewater to the Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant.

An additional pipeline in Nangka is also connected to the facility.

Once fully completed, the project will expand sewer coverage and benefit more than 5,700 households across Quezon City and Marikina.

As of April 2026, force main pipelaying works were around 90 percent complete, while the Vista Real Creek lift station and its corresponding pipeline have already been completed and operational since 2025.

The project also supports compliance with the Philippine Clean Water Act and contributes to the Supreme Court Mandamus for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

“These wastewater system improvements support the shared goal of rehabilitating Manila Bay, while reflecting Manila Water’s responsibility to protect the environment and provide quality sanitation services to the communities we serve,” said Dittie Galang, Corporate Communications Affairs Group Head of Manila Water.

The Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant, where the wastewater will be treated, is one of Manila Water’s key facilities. Completed in 2016, it can treat up to 100 million liters of wastewater per day and currently serves portions of Marikina, Quezon City, and San Mateo, Rizal.

Through the Batasan–Balara Flow Diversion Project, Manila Water continues to strengthen wastewater management systems that support cleaner rivers, improved sanitation, and healthier communities.

The takeaway: Better wastewater management is not only about infrastructure. It directly supports public health, cleaner waterways, and more sustainable communities.