The Davao City Water District (DCWD) has announced ambitious plans to extend its services to 2.3 million residents across 143 barangays by the year 2033. This expansion was highlighted by DCWD General Manager Mildred Aviles during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum held in Davao City on November 26, 2024. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet the rising water demand, projected to reach 606,000 cubic meters per day due to population growth.
To achieve these goals, DCWD intends to invest PHP21.4 billion in capital expenditures. This funding will support the construction of new storage facilities, the development of additional water sources, and the expansion of pipeline networks. Aviles also mentioned that the expansion would assist neighboring cities struggling with water access.
DCWD, a government-owned and controlled corporation, does not receive financial support from either local or national government bodies. Instead, it relies on payments from its customers to fund its operations and expansion projects.
Currently, DCWD serves approximately 260,000 connections, with 87 percent of these being residential. The district currently provides water to 66 percent of Davao City’s population, covering 117 out of 182 barangays. Areas not served by DCWD receive water from providers managed by their respective barangays, associations, or private operators.
In a move to bolster its water supply, DCWD entered into a joint venture with Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. in February. This partnership has increased DCWD’s production capacity to 709,000 cubic meters per day, utilizing both groundwater and surface water sources. At present, DCWD uses an average of 370,000 cubic meters daily, which is 52 percent of its total capacity. Groundwater accounts for 25 percent of the supply, while surface water makes up the remaining 75 percent.
Aviles noted that DCWD has a reserve capacity of 345,000 cubic meters, primarily from groundwater sources, with only 30 out of 74 production wells currently in operation. This expansion plan is designed to meet the city’s growing water needs and ensure reliable service for future generations.