Daily deficit at 16,000 cubic meters: MCWD supply falls

CEBU, Philippines — The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has confirmed a daily water supply deficit of more than 16,000 cubic meters across its franchise area, a situation aggravated by the ongoing hot weather and expected to worsen as El Niño conditions intensify.

Latest MCWD figures show total daily water production at 263,941 cubic meters, falling short of the estimated daily demand of 280,000 cubic meters. Of the total production, 153,931 cubic meters come from MCWD’s in-house sources, while the remainder is supplied through bulk water providers.

The utility also disclosed that about 30 percent of its daily production is lost to non-revenue water (NRW), which includes leaks, illegal connections, and other system losses. MCWD hopes to significantly reduce this figure by the end of the year.

Among the hardest-hit sources is the Jaclupan facility, whose production has dropped from its normal 30,000 cubic meters per day (CMD) to only 20,700 CMD due to the drying up of the Mananga River. Other key sources, including the Buhisan Dam and the Cotcot River in Compostela, have likewise recorded declining output.

Residents in affected barangays report that water is available only briefly during the early morning hours, forcing households to store water in containers, drums, and gallons for daily use.

Food vendors have also been affected, with some sacrificing sleep to collect enough water for cooking, cleaning, and other business operations.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, MCWD General Manager Atty. John DX Lapid and Assistant General Manager for Operations Engr. Rogelio Sarmiento clarified that the situation has not yet reached critical levels but warned that supply conditions could deteriorate further once El Niño reaches its peak.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has projected an 80-percent probability of a strong El Niño developing by September and lasting into early 2027.

Lapid said MCWD’s latest briefing with PAGASA confirmed that El Niño conditions are already emerging in the tropical Pacific.

“El Niño is no longer a forecast. It is already happening,” Lapid said.

He explained that the climate phenomenon brings higher temperatures, reduced river flows, slower groundwater recharge, increased household water demand, and greater pressure on existing water supply systems.

With these conditions unfolding, MCWD has shifted into what officials described as a “state of preparedness.”

“MCWD continuously monitors climate conditions and water supply indicators to anticipate potential impacts of El Niño,” Lapid said.

Among the agency’s key measures are monthly coordination meetings and briefings with PAGASA, close monitoring of rainfall forecasts and weather patterns, tracking river flows and surface water sources, assessing groundwater production and aquifer performance, and evaluating supply-and-demand conditions throughout its service area.

MCWD is also fast-tracking the drilling of 11 additional wells in Cebu City in coordination with the city government.

In a separate interview, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival disclosed that several upland areas have already run dry, prompting the local government to mobilize water deliveries to affected communities.

The city government and MCWD are likewise preparing mobile siphon tanks to serve three barangays facing supply shortages. Officials stressed that the water district is bracing for prolonged drought conditions and urged consumers to conserve water.

They assured the public that contingency measures, including partnerships with local government units and emergency water supply mobilization, are being readied to cushion the impact on households and businesses.

MCWD is also pursuing additional supply sources, including new production wells in Tawason and within the National Bureau of Investigation compound. The agency is also activating standby production wells and implementing operational improvements aimed at boosting system efficiency and protecting existing water resources.

For consumers already experiencing water shortages, MCWD said direct assistance remains available.

Officials warned that without widespread conservation efforts and immediate mitigation measures, the current deficit could deepen further as dry conditions intensify in the coming months. — FPL (FREEMAN)