THE Davao City Water District (DCWD) assured consumers that water supplies remain sufficient to meet daily demand as the city prepares for peak El Niño conditions, while expanding its “Libreng Tubig” program to help qualified households.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media forum Sept. 9 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, DCWD spokesperson JC Duhaylungsod said the city's surface water sources currently yield about 300 million liters per day (MLD), while deep groundwater reserves can provide up to 350 MLD.
She said the two sources can meet the city's daily demand of about 350 to 400 MLD.
Duhaylungsod said temporary declines in surface water flow would not necessarily affect water service.
“Even if naa na'y reduction in some days that we encountered sa atoang surface water source, dili ni mu-translate into any water service interruption sa atong mga customer (Even if we experience reduced flow from our surface water source on some days, this will not result in any water service interruption for our customers),” she said.
Davao remains in a relatively stable position because it can draw from both surface water and groundwater sources, she said.
Duhaylungsod said groundwater wells located 200 to 250 meters below ground remain largely protected from dry spells. The utility also monitors its water sources hourly in line with directives from the Local Water Utilities Administration.
Satellite imaging finds leaks
To improve distribution efficiency and conserve water, DCWD has deployed satellite imaging to detect underground pipeline leaks across its network.
After the initial inspection, the utility has begun a second validation phase to confirm that previously identified leaks have been repaired.
“Na-commission na ta og satellite imaging para i-X-ray tanan nato pipeline system there in Davao City, and the result has been very rewarding kay daghan kaayo mig na-repair na mga underground leaks (We commissioned satellite imaging to ‘X-ray’ our entire pipeline system in Davao City, and the results have been very rewarding because we have repaired many underground leaks),” Duhaylungsod said.
The leak-detection effort aims to reduce water losses and protect the city's reserves, particularly as dry conditions could put additional pressure on available water sources.
‘Libreng Tubig’ extended to three months
DCWD is also expanding its “Libreng Tubig” program as part of its 53rd anniversary celebration, giving qualified low-consuming residential households relief from water consumption charges amid rising living costs.
Under DCWD Board Resolution No. 26-173, the program covers water consumption for October, November, and December 2026, with the savings reflected in bills issued in November 2026, December 2026, and January 2027, respectively.
“This is the third time that we're going to implement our libreng tubig promo. Again, a first also in the Philippines. No other water utility has had the initiative to give back to our customers through the free water consumption,” Duhaylungsod said.
The program will cover three months of consumption this year, instead of just one month.
“In 2026, it gets better kasi (because) the libreng tubig promo will not be applicable for one month. Instead, it's going to be for three months' consumption ... providing around almost ₱1,000 na savings (in savings),” she said.
The promo is available to residential connections with a half-inch water meter and monthly consumption of 5 cubic meters or less.
Eligible accounts will automatically receive zero consumption charges for the covered months. Customers will still pay the standard ₱50 meter maintenance fee and any unpaid balances from previous billing periods.
The benefit is nontransferable and noncashable and cannot be combined with other discounts.
The utility said the expanded program also reflects its improved operational capacity from using both surface water and groundwater sources.
As El Niño conditions intensify, DCWD said it will continue monitoring its water sources and distribution network while working to reduce losses and maintain a stable supply for consumers. GRS
