Xylem to Supply Technology to Protect Against Monsoon Flooding in the Philippines

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland (Oct. 17, 2014) – Xylem Inc. has won a contract to supply Flygt propeller pumps to two pumping stations in key areas of metropolitan Manila. Benefiting more than half a million people, Xylem’s Flygt technology will increase the flow capacity of the stations by 25 percent, helping to protect residential areas from severe monsoon flooding and improve environmental and sanitary conditions in the city. When complete, the project is also expected to boost the local economy through inward investment in the region. The Xylem solution is the first of its kind to be developed in the Philippines. Xylem’s Flygt Propeller Pumps PL7121 with stainless steel propellers will be supplied to replace the existing pumps at the Aviles and Valencia pump stations in the flood-prone Manila districts of San Miguel, Nagtahan, Paco, Pandacan, Santa Ana and Santa Mesa, delivering increased capacity of 18,000 liters per second and 14,000 liters per second, respectively. The pumps will be used to channel local run-off water into the nearby Pasig River, creating a retarding reservoir and helping to prevent flooding in the area. Among the buildings which will be protected is the renowned Malacañan Palace, the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the Philippines. According to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the organization in charge of the development, the new system will dramatically improve the daily lives of the people living in northern Manila, improve public health, increase land value in the area by enhancing the local environment and have a positive knock-on effect on the local economy. Xylem’s Flygt technology was selected due to its efficiency and capacity, as well as its low operating and maintenance costs. Furthermore, noise pollution, which was an issue with the previous system, will be significantly reduced or eliminated as Flygt pumps use electric drives rather than diesel engines. “Flygt propeller pumps are state-of-the-art, high-capacity, low-head pumps ideal for this kind of application,” said Alex Evaristo, sales director for Xylem Philippines. “We are pleased to be partnering with the authorities in Manila to enhance people’s lives with our innovative technology, as well as providing a cost-effective, sustainable solution to the water challenge.” Construction of the two pumping stations began in April, and they are expected to be operational by end of October. Xylem is a global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings.