Lower water bills for MCWD consumers this March

Local

METRO Cebu households will see lower water bills this March, even as the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) implements a 38 percent rate increase.

MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias said the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) granted the adjustment while reviewing the water district’s original request for a 60 percent increase.

The last rate adjustment took effect in 2015, but a scheduled 2020 increase was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lower bills for residential

While the 38 percent hike raises MCWD’s base rates, the water district integrated the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) and Purchased Water Adjustment (PWA) into the base rate, effectively resetting these charges to zero.

The PCA previously covered electricity costs for water generation, while the PWA accounted for expenses from purchasing water from bulk suppliers, including desalination plants.

Gerodias explained that the removal of PCA and PWA balances out the rate increase, making the new rates more affordable for residential consumers.

Households consuming 10 cubic meters per month will now be billed P213.95 instead of P343.07, saving P129.12.

Those using 21 cubic meters will see their bills decrease from P741.14 to P478.22, reducing costs by P263.22.

Higher costs for businesses

While residential consumers benefit, commercial and industrial users, who account for a large share of MCWD’s revenue, will continue to pay higher rates based on their water consumption.

Gerodias emphasized that the adjustment is necessary to sustain operations, especially since the cost of bulk water procurement has risen from P15.20 per cubic meter to between P55 and P76 per cubic meter.

Before implementing the new rates, MCWD held public consultations in November 2022 and February 2025 to inform consumers about the adjustment, provide updates on expansion projects, and discuss new water sources.

The increase was initially set for July 2023 but was postponed to ensure a stable water supply before implementation.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City consumers will now see an additional environmental fee on their bills to support the operation of the city’s Septage Treatment Plant.

Ensuring supply

MCWD assured the public that the adjustment is part of its efforts to maintain and improve water services while addressing Metro Cebu’s growing demand.

Gerodias noted that 60 percent of MCWD’s consumers are residential, while commercial establishments account for significantly higher water consumption.

She said the changes would help ensure a stable water supply, expand infrastructure, and meet the increasing demand for clean water in the region.(MyTVCebu)