By Sam Ramos
The Davao City Water District (DCWD) has announced plans to serve 2.3 million residents across 143 barangays by 2033, necessitating significant infrastructure investments and operational expansion to meet the city’s growing water demand.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on Tuesday, DCWD General Manager Mildred Aviles revealed that the forecasted population increase will drive daily water demand to 606,000 cubic meters. To address this, the utility plans to construct additional storage facilities, develop new water sources, and extend its pipeline networks.
The project aligns with Davao City’s long-term development framework, which extends through 2045. Aviles noted that the initiative requires PHP21.4 billion in capital expenditures, which will be financed through revenues from customer water payments, as DCWD operates independently as a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).
Currently, DCWD serves 260,000 connections, predominantly residential customers, and provides water to 66 percent of the city’s population, spanning 117 of its 182 barangays. The remaining unserved areas rely on water systems managed by barangay associations, cooperatives, or private operators.
In February, DCWD enhanced its water supply through a joint venture with Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., a bulk water supplier. The collaboration boosted DCWD’s production capacity to 709,000 cubic meters per day, utilizing a mix of surface water and groundwater sources. Surface water now accounts for 75 percent of the supply, while groundwater contributes 25 percent.
Despite this capacity, DCWD currently uses an average of 370,000 cubic meters daily, leaving a reserve capacity of 345,000 cubic meters, primarily from groundwater sources. Of the utility’s 74 production wells, only 30 are currently operational, ensuring sufficient reserve for future needs.
Aviles emphasized the importance of this expansion in addressing the city’s growing water requirements, ensuring sustainable and reliable service for the coming decades. The initiative also includes provisions to support neighboring cities and municipalities facing water access challenges.