Manila Water's UP Sewerage System Network Project To Adopt PH's First NEREDA Wastewater Technology

Manila Water Company, Inc. and the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman marked a major milestone in sustainable infrastructure as the turnover process for the 5 million liters per day (MLD) NEREDA Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) begins following the successful one-year process proving period.

The project was implemented to accommodate the increased wastewater flow generated by the expansion of the UP Sewerage System Network Project while ensuring full compliance with national regulatory and environmental standards, particularly DENR Administrative Orders (DAO) 2016 08 and 2021-19.

NEREDA is a modern wastewater treatment process that uses compact aerobic granules, allowing for quicker settling, reduced energy consumption, and more effective nutrient removal compared to traditional activated sludge systems.

This facility represents a historic first for the country as the Philippines’ inaugural NEREDA installation, bringing advanced and energy efficient wastewater treatment technology to the nation’s premier public university. The new 5 MLD plant is designed to operate alongside UP Diliman’s existing 7 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant, significantly expanding the campus’s overall wastewater treatment capacity and performance.

Throughout the one year proving period, the NEREDA STP consistently delivered effluent quality well below design limits, even under challenging influent conditions. This performance demonstrates the robustness, reliability, and efficiency of the NEREDA process in meeting stringent environmental requirements.

With a total project cost of more than Php 220 million, the facility is designed to serve a population of approximately 92,190, benefiting communities in the catchment areas of Brgy. UP Campus, portion of Brgy. Vicente, Brgy. Old Balara (Dagohoy/Ricarte), Brgy. Crus na Ligas, Brgy. Botocan (Amorsolo), Brgy. Loyola Heights (Daang Tubo), Old Capitol, and Culiat.

The development of the UP Diliman 5 MLD NEREDA Sewage Treatment Plant reinforces the shared commitment of UP and Manila Water to environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and the adoption of innovative technologies that support public health and protect vital water resources.