Clearer MWSS response needed

On Jan. 20, I received by e-mail a letter dated Jan. 19, 2016, from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO). On Dec. 2, 2015, I had written the MWSS about a matter that I later raised in a letter to the editor (“It’s MWSS that should test and calibrate water meters”) which saw print, coincidentally, in the Inquirer that day, Jan. 20.

In its letter, the MWSS RO states that “as part of its regulatory functions, (it) witnesses meter testing upon request of the customer.” Accordingly, if no request is made by a customer, the MWSS does not witness the meter testing of the concessionaires? How then would the MWSS and the public be assured there was due, proper and correct laboratory testing and calibration of meters installed by the concessionaires? I would assume there are millions of water users serviced by these concessionaires.

I believe the correct and proper procedure should be, each and every water meter must be submitted by the concessionaires to the MWSS for testing and calibration. If determined accurate the MWSS should lock them with its own seal before it should allow its concessionaires to install them for the water users. Delegating this all-important duty and responsibility to the concessionaires, which have pecuniary interest contrasting that of the public and which the MWSS are supposed to supervise and regulate, defeats the very purpose for which the MWSS was created. Why delegate regulating powers to the party to be regulated? Its absurd!

The MWSS’ practice of delegating the calibration of water meters to its concessionaires is contrary to its own policies on water meters (BOT Res. No. 39-2000 dated Feb. 3, 2012) which provide:

“1. Testing/Evaluation.

1.1. All meters which shall

include new and rebuilt meters, shall undergo individual testing/calibration and shall pass the minimum standards set forth by the MWSS prior to incorporation into the system, which is similar to Energy Regulatory Board policy particularly ERB Resolution

No. 95-21, Section 33.”

Section 33 of ERB Resolution No. 95-21, reads: “Sec. 33. Testing and Sealing of Meters By the Board. – No meter shall be placed in service unless it has been tested, certified and sealed by the BOARD.”

The resolution further states that the ERB seal is a warranty that (1) the meter is an acceptable or accepted type, and (2) it operates within the allowable limits of tolerance.

Obviously, the MWSS has deviated from its own policy.

The MWSS also says that the laboratory testing by the concessionaires “is in compliance with the procedures established by the MWSS RO in accordance with the International Metrological Standards (AWWA and ISO) for water meters.” This is obviously a self-serving statement. What are these “International Metrological Standards (AWWA and ISO)” for water meters? I would appreciate to get copies thereof.

The MWSS further states that it “has an approved program to procure a state-of the-art computerized meter test facility. However, the procurement is momentarily deferred awaiting the construction of the building to house the laboratory.”

When was the program approved?

How big and elaborate is the “state-of-the-art computerized meter test facility” that would require a building to house it? When is the building to be constructed?

I will truly appreciate if the MWSS would be categorical and clearer in its response.

—REX G. RICO, [email protected]