THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has reported that while Metro Cebu’s overall water supply remains stable, some areas are experiencing low water pressure due to increased consumption.
MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias said the agency’s daily water production remains at 300,000 cubic meters, and the current hot weather has not yet affected the surface water supply.
Reports of low water pressure have been recorded in interior and elevated areas of Talisay City and Cebu City.
Affected areas in Talisay City include Barangays Dumlog, San Isidro, and Pooc. In Cebu City, the affected areas are Barangays Inayawan, San Roque, Mambaling, Bulacao, Duljo Fatima, and Tagunol.
Gerodias clarified in an interview with reporters on March 12, 2025, that the low pressure is due to increased demand rather than a drop in supply.
She said MCWD is preparing for a possible supply shortage. Water trucks are on standby as a contingency, similar to the water distributor’s strategy during the El Niño phenomenon, which affected Cebu and other parts of the country from the second half of 2023 until June 2024 .
“Naa na mi water truck on standby, but for now wala pa mi nag-deliver (We already have water trucks on standby, but for now, we have not yet delivered water),” said Gerodias.
Gerodias said MCWD is relying on desalination plants that convert seawater into potable water. These are located in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.
“Ang desalination plant kay dili gyud na maapektuhan sa El Niño or sa summer kay gikan sa dagat ang tubig (The desalination plants will not be affected by the El Niño phenomenon or summer season as they rely on brackish water),” she said.
The Mambaling desalination plant currently produces 5,000 cubic meters of water per day, with the capacity to increase output to 10,000 cubic meters if needed. The Mandaue desalination plant supplies 10,000 cubic meters daily.
Gerodias advised consumers, especially those in elevated areas, to store water during times of strong pressure for use during off-peak hours.
She also urged the public to conserve water.
City Hall preparations
Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has directed the City Agriculture Department to expedite measures to address water scarcity in mountain barangays in preparation for the summer season.
On Monday, March 10, Garcia ordered an inventory of existing water tankers and the procurement of additional equipment to support affected areas.
The City Government expects the delivery of six new water tankers to supplement its fleet.
Garcia also mandated the purchase of 2,000-liter and 4,000-liter container tanks, which will be strategically placed in mountain barangays for better water access.
To address urgent requests for water, Garcia ordered the immediate deployment of water tankers to severely affected areas, particularly Barangays Sudlon 1 and 2, to ensure residents receive adequate supply. / EHP