The Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) is relying on a mix of rivers, springs, and desalination facilities across its franchise area to sustain water service for more than 215,000 connections during the ongoing dry season.
MCWD General Manager John DX Lapid said the utility’s strength lies in its diversified water sources, allowing it to offset shortages when one supply source drops.
“What’s unique about MCWD, unlike any other water district, is that we have a lot of water sources — since we have a lot of water sources, we can get water,” Lapid said.
MCWD’s service area spans from Compostela in northern Cebu to Talisay City in the south, including Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, and parts of Cebu City.
In the northern areas, the district draws water from the Lusaran River and spring sources in Compostela and nearby mountain barangays.
In the south, desalination facilities in Mactan supply treated seawater, while another desalination plant serves parts of southern Cebu City.
Lapid said water supply in northern Cebu remains stable, with total production averaging 264,000 cubic meters per day since January.
The Luyang River in Carmen currently contributes about 30,000 cubic meters per day, with capacity expected to increase to 37,000 cubic meters under an agreement with a local water cooperative.
An additional desalination contract is also expected to boost supply in areas dependent on treated seawater in the coming months.
To safeguard operations during power interruptions, MCWD has deployed more than 50 generator sets across its network. Lapid said these diesel-powered units are intended to keep pumping stations operational during extended outages.
The utility also issues advance advisories for planned service interruptions to allow consumers to store water, while leak detection teams continue field operations to reduce water losses.
MCWD is also preparing for a possible El Niño event, which PAGASA has placed at a 79 percent probability of developing between July and August.
The preparations align with Executive Order No. 110, which directs government agencies to ensure continuity of essential services amid climate-related pressures.
Lapid said surface water sources could decline in the last quarter of 2026 and early 2027, prompting the district to prepare a tiered response plan, including expanded use of desalination despite higher production costs.
“In terms of public service, if you need it, we will bring water to the consumers — even if it will hurt MCWD financially, we will do it,” he said.
MCWD, a government-owned and controlled corporation, funds its operations through revenues and infrastructure investments.
Its franchise covers multiple cities and municipalities in Metro Cebu and is not exclusive, allowing private water providers to also operate in the area.
Lapid said continued investments from MCWD and private sector partners are expected to help narrow the gap between Metro Cebu’s estimated 600,000 cubic meters daily demand and current supply levels.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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