For Emily Homes Homeowners Association President Jose D. Cadjatan, reliable water supply is vital for communities to grow and thrive in Davao City.
Improved access to potable water supply is a major contributor in building more livable communities in Davao City. More residents can now enjoy reliable and uninterrupted water service, advancing their quality of life, such as those living in Emily Homes in Cabantian.
This is made possible through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a public-private partnership between Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (Apo Agua) and the Davao City Water District (DCWD).
The DCBWSP increases water supply access by providing 300 million liters of potable water daily to more than one million Davaoeños. This has enabled the water district to expand its distribution network, bringing potable water to more households and communities.
Improved water access builds better lives
Better access to potable water makes it easier for residents to meet their everyday needs. This is evident at Emily Homes, where Homeowners Association President Engineer Jose D. Cadjatan underscores the importance of reliable basic services to the residents of their subdivision.
Before gaining access to piped water, residents from the Cabantian relied mostly on water deliveries by truck and often had to purchase water in gallons for drinking, to meet their daily needs.
“The most important daily requirements for a person are water, electricity and access to road infrastructure.” Engr. Cadjatan said. “The absence of one would be really hard,” he added.
“But, there’s no problem anymore. We have these [reliable water, electricity, and access to road infrastructure] here at Emily Homes, so the people are satisfied with their daily needs,” Cadjatan said.
Through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, treated water from the Tamugan River is delivered to DCWD for distribution. This reduces pressure on groundwater sources during peak demand, allowing it to naturally recharge. This ensures a stable and resilient water supply which benefits the customers of DCWD.
Cadjatan remarked that residents of Emily Homes are now satisfied with the improved water service. “Sa karon, ang feedback na gyud sa mga resident kay gwapo daw among source sa tubig. Tugnaw naman kaayo nya ang supply, enough na gyud siya. Wala na mi nakaproblema sa tubig– supisyente na sa among requirements (Now, residents are saying the water source is really good. The supply is cold, strong, and enough for our daily needs. We no longer have problems with water- it’s sufficient for our [daily] requirements).”
Supporting Davao City’s water needs during El Niño
The DOST-PAGASA recently reported that El Niño conditions are now present in the Philippines. With less rainfall and longer dry periods, some areas may experience water shortages and reduced water supply.
As part of DCWD’s conjunctive use strategy, Apo Agua provides treated surface water from the Tamugan river that complements existing groundwater sources — helping ensure supply reliability and redundancy.
This strategy also supports the sustainable management of the city’s water resources, providing DCWD with greater flexibility in managing the city’s water supply during periods of high demand and dry conditions.
