Households across Metro Cebu will see an average increase of P23 in their monthly water bills starting April, as the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) moves to recover costs amid growing operational challenges.
The rate adjustment, approved by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), comes as MCWD faces rising bulk water costs, persistent system losses, and a surge in water meter thefts.
MCWD relies heavily on bulk water purchased from private suppliers at around P73 per cubic meter—far above the roughly P15 per cubic meter it would cost to produce water from its own groundwater sources.
This gap has long strained the utility’s finances and remains a key reason for the rate hike.
The agency also struggles with non-revenue water—supply produced but never billed due to leaks, illegal connections, and faulty meters—which it estimates costs around P6 million daily.
Compounding these issues is a sharp rise in water meter thefts, particularly in Liloan and Consolacion.
Between March 1 and 24, MCWD recorded 141 cases, with Liloan accounting for 84 and Consolacion 39.
February saw 19 cases, and January 12, showing a rapid escalation in theft incidents.
Stolen meters leave service lines exposed, increasing the risk of contamination and longer service interruptions.
In response, MCWD has asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify monitoring and track down both thieves and buyers of stolen meters.
The utility is offering cash rewards of P10,000 for information leading to arrests and P25,000 for those identifying buyers. Buyers may face prosecution under the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979.
To stabilize supply and finances, MCWD is expanding the use of deep wells, rehabilitating aging pipelines, and improving metering systems to reduce losses and ensure more accurate billing.
The agency said the rate increase is minimal but necessary to keep water services sustainable while addressing inefficiencies and securing long-term supply for the growing population of Metro Cebu. (LLP)
Image from: BusinessWorld
