THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) reported a decrease in its non-revenue water (NRW) during the first quarter of 2025, signaling a positive trend after years of concern over water loss.
Non-revenue water, or water lost due to leaks, theft, faulty meters or other issues before reaching consumers, represents a significant revenue loss for the utility.
As of March 2025, MCWD’s NRW stood at 32 percent, down from 34-35 percent in January, according to John Makabenta, head of MCWD’s corporate planning department.
“The nice thing now is that our trend is downward,” Makabenta said in a mix of Cebuano and English during a news forum Wednesday, April 23. He added that MCWD aims to lower the NRW further to 30 or 31 percent in the coming months through ongoing projects and initiatives.
This reduction follows previous reports flagging the water district’s rising NRW. The Commission on Audit, in its 2022 annual report, noted an increase from 25.26 percent in 2020 to 32.67 percent in 2022. Additionally, the Local Water Utilities Administration found MCWD’s NRW reached 36 percent in 2024, well above the 20 percent maximum allowable rate, estimating an annual revenue loss of P120 million.
Initiatives
MCWD officials attribute the recent improvement to several key initiatives.
Tommy Gonzalez, manager at MCWD production department, said they quickly repair leaking pipes and rehabilitate aging pipelines.
“Our pipes really burst because they are old and the pressure is strong. With our reaction time, if we can respond faster, we can really save water,” Gonzalez said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
He also mentioned MCWD’s pressure management program where water pressure is reduced in networks with older pipes prone to leaks.
Utilizing water reservoirs during peak hours instead of relying solely on direct pipeline pressure has also helped, Gonzalez added.
City support
Support from the Cebu City Government, particularly in expediting excavation permits and other requirements for pipe rehabilitation, has also been crucial, according to Emmanuel Espina of MCWD’s Planning Division.
This improved cooperation marks a shift from previous tensions between MCWD and the previous city administration.
The current administration, led by Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, has fostered a better relationship, facilitating delayed projects such as the expansion of pipelines to Cebu City’s upland barangays, according to Espina.
Espina urged consumers to contribute by promptly reporting any pipe bursts or leaks to MCWD to help sustain the reduction in NRW.
MCWD serves the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, and Lapu-Lapu, and the municipalities of Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, and Cordova. / EHP