Davao City Water District (DCWD) has completed a major systems-level transition in urban water resource management, now sourcing 78% of its daily water supply from the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) – the largest public-private partnership of its kind in the country developed jointly by DCWD and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. This marks a critical shift from historical dependence on deep aquifers, driven by the implementation of a conjunctive use strategy integrating both surface and groundwater systems for optimized reliability and sustainability.
Now, 78% of the city’s water supply comes from the surface water of the Panigan-Tamugan River, replacing what was once a full dependence on groundwater. This has eased the pressure on deepwell aquifers, thus supporting Davao’s urban growth with a stable, long-term water source. It is a dramatic shift that reflects both smart infrastructure ambition and environmental foresight.
Driving this shift is the DCBWSP, a visionary partnership between DCWD and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. With the conjunctive use of surface and ground water sources, DCWD provides reliable and affordable level 3 water service to 1.3 million Davaoeños of which 95.52% enjoy 24/7 water supply availability.
“This is the future of water in urban Philippines,” said Ronnie D. Lim, General Manager of Apo Agua Infrastructura. “DCWD has developed a system that is climate-resilient, thoughtfully designed to meet the challenges of a growing city amid a changing climate. We are honored to have played a key role in realizing this vision.”
Water Powered by Water
The DCBWSP is the only one in the country designed around a water-energy nexus. A dedicated hydroelectric powerplant energizes the water treatment facility, reducing its carbon footprint. From there, water is distributed via a gravity-fed system, eliminating the need for energy-intensive pumping and ensuring more efficient delivery to homes and businesses.
Distribution by the Numbers for Dabawenyos
DCWD now distributes an average of 373,000 cubic meters per day across its network with more than two-thirds sourced from surface water, and the remaining ground water supply kept largely in reserve. With a reliable surface water system now in place and capacity exceeding current demand, DCWD is well-positioned to expand service coverage to more communities across the city.
This conjunctive use system gives Davao another layer of climate resiliency. This provides Davao City with a buffer against water-related risks that allows DCWD to balance supply whether it’s a dry season, heavy demand, or unexpected system issues. It ensures water availability even during droughts or infrastructure stress.
Driving Socio-economic and Local Growth
Beyond supply and sustainability, Davao’s water infrastructure is driving inclusive development. With this pioneering project, Davao has enabled not just access to clean water but a stable foundation to healthy communities, thriving livelihoods, and resilient local businesses. It supports productivity, improves public health, and enables more Dabawenyos, including women to actively participate in the economy.
Lysa Mae Ocaba, a resident of Cabantian, shared how this has impacted their daily lives: “Nagpasalamat gani mig dako karon nga ingana na ang tubig namo, puti na kaayo. Pwede na siya mahumol sa mga puti nga sinina, makatarong na mi ug laba kay sauna jud mao gyud na among problema sa una, ang among tubig (We are truly grateful that our water now is clear. We can now soak white clothes in it and do laundry. Before, water was our main problem)”
A National Model for Water-Resilient Cities?
As urban centers across the Philippines face growing water stress from shortages to aquifer depletion. Davao offers a model of what’s possible through long-term planning and forward-thinking investment. Backed by a strong public-private partnership, DCBWSP is prepared to offer sustainable water solutions across the city.
For DCWD, this project is a step forward in improving how the utility delivers water to the Dabawenyos. It reflects DCWD’s ongoing commitment to provide climate-resilient water services. As the city faces increasing pressures from climate change and urban growth, this shows the value of early planning, smart investment, and strong partnerships.
As climate pressures grow and urban demands rise, DCBWSP offers a hopeful blueprint for other cities facing similar challenges. But its success does not end at the tap; it begins in its source.
We call on every Dabawenyo to help protect the source that sustains us all. Ampingan nato ang Panigan-Tamugan. Let us care for the watershed as it now cares for us– so that future generations will continue to drink from its strength.
