MCWD fast-tracks water projects amid El Niño threats

Local

THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is accelerating several water supply projects as it prepares for the expected effects of El Niño on Metro Cebu's water sources.

MCWD General Manager Atty. DX Lapid said the utility is pursuing a number of initiatives to increase available water supply, including the drilling of 11 new production wells in Cebu City, activation of standby wells, and additional sources such as the Kalunasan Well.

Other projects under consideration include desalination, the Mambaling water supply project, and the Cordova project.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, June 17, Lapid said MCWD has been closely coordinating with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), holding regular briefings to monitor climate developments.

According to the Pagasa, there is now more than an 80 percent probability that current conditions will develop into a full El Niño event. The phenomenon is expected to have a greater impact during the first quarter of 2027 and could persist until May or June of that year.

“This is no longer just a forecast. El Niño conditions are already present, although we are still experiencing the rainy season,” Lapid said.

MCWD currently produces around 153 million liters of water daily from its in-house sources.

Lapid noted that recent declines in some water sources are primarily due to the dry season and not yet the direct effects of El Niño.

Among the sources being monitored are the Lusaran River and the Jaclupan facility, which supplies many barangays in southern Cebu City.

MCWD projections show that prolonged dry conditions could significantly reduce production from Jaclupan, making alternative sources crucial.

To address potential shortages, MCWD is also seeking to revive a 2019 proposal to install deep wells in eight public schools in Cebu City, most of them located in the southern portion of the city.

The utility has already sent a follow-up letter to the Cebu City Government and is awaiting the necessary memorandum of agreement or usufruct arrangement to proceed.

Lapid said the proposed deep wells would provide an emergency water source for communities that may be affected by reduced output from the Jaclupan facility during periods of drought.(MyTVCebu)