MCWD taps desalinated water supply from IMCC

CEBU, Philippines — The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has started receiving desalinated water from Isla Mactan Cordova Corporation (IMCC), a subsidiary of Vivant Water, in a move aimed at strengthening Metro Cebu's water supply and enhancing its long-term water security.

MCWD officially began receiving the desalinated water on Tuesday, July 1, during a ceremonial tapping at the water injection point, where representatives from MCWD, Vivant Water, and the Cordova local government marked the connection of IMCC's water supply to the utility's distribution network.

The initial delivery will provide 5,000 cubic meters of potable desalinated water daily to MCWD's system. The volume will be increased in phases until it reaches the full contracted supply of 20,000 cubic meters per day as the desalination plant's intake systems are further stabilized.

Once fully operational, the facility is expected to provide potable water to nearly 30,000 households across Metro Cebu.

The additional water source comes as MCWD prepares for the anticipated effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which could place further strain on Metro Cebu’s water supply.

MCWD said the partnership forms part of its continuing efforts to expand and diversify its water sources amid rising demand driven by population growth, economic development, and climate variability.

“The MCWD administration has been actively looking for partners who understand the urgency of Cebu’s water needs and share our vision of serving Cebuanos better,” said MCWD General Manager Atty. John Dx Lapid in a statement.

MCWD Board Chairman Ruben Almendras said the partnership represents more than just an increase in water supply.

“With Vivant Water, we found a company that sees this situation through the same lens. That makes this partnership personal, and it makes every step intentional. This is about bringing additional water supply to the communities we serve while building stronger foundations for Cebu’s future,” Almendras said.

The additional water supply  stems from the Joint Venture Agreement signed by MCWD and Vivant Water in April 2025 for the delivery of 20,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day to Metro Cebu.

Vivant Corporation Chief Executive Officer Arlo Sarmiento said the company is committed to developing solutions that respond to changing environmental challenges while addressing the immediate needs of communities.

“Vivant aims to create solutions for our changing world. But before we speak of a sustainable tomorrow, we must first help sustain what is needed here at home—where responsibility feels most personal,” Sarmiento said.

Water experts have long emphasized the need for Metro Cebu to develop more climate-resilient water sources to reduce dependence on groundwater and ease pressure on aquifers affected by over-extraction.

Unlike conventional water sources, desalination does not rely on groundwater or surface water, providing MCWD with an alternative supply that can help meet the region's growing water demand.

“This is a milestone not only for us but for the country,” said Vivant Water President Jess Anthony Garcia.

“But more than that, we are in a race with nature. The sooner we bring climate-resilient sources online, the sooner we can help reduce stress on our aquifers and protect the natural resources that Cebu’s future depends on,” Garcia added.

MCWD said the integration of desalinated water into its distribution system marks another step toward building a more sustainable and climate-resilient water supply for Metro Cebu.- FPL (CEBU NEWS)