Apo Agua

Among Davao City’s most impactful recent developments is the now fully operational Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), the largest private bulk water project in the Philippines, delivering clean and reliable water to communities across the city.

The project, a collaboration between Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), now delivers over 300 million liters per day (MLD) of treated surface water sourced from the Tamugan River, benefiting more than one million Dabawenyos citywide including water-stressed communities in Indangan, Cabantian, and Panacan.

“This is a game-changer, especially for the residents in District 2, who for years experienced water challenges,” said Ronnie D. Lim, General Manager of Apo Agua. “By harnessing surface water through sustainable infrastructure, we are solving water issues at the root and delivering supply to DCWD that is safe and reliable.”

Previously, Davao relied heavily on groundwater extracted from wells and aquifers. Recognizing the risk of overextraction and its long-term impact on supply, DCWD began exploring the use of surface water to diversify and protect the city’s sources.

The existing groundwater system struggled to keep pace with rapid urbanization, often leading to rotational supply, rationing, and low water pressure in elevated or densely populated areas. Now through conjunctive use, or the strategic integration of both surface water and groundwater systems, the city now benefits from a more resilient and balanced water supply system.

“Surface water now serves as the city’s primary water source, allowing DCWD to rest or reallocate its groundwater. This not only helps preserve underground aquifers but also strengthens the city’s long-term water security,” Lim added.

The improvements are evident in the numbers. In just two years, DCWD has tripled its new water service connections: from 8,600 in 2022 to over 21,000 today– that’s 14,000 more households with clean, reliable water right from the tap.

Back in 2022, areas like Cabantian and Panacan faced frequent water interruptions. In Cabantian, only 90% of residents had 24/7 service, while Panacan was at 67%, forcing households to adjust routines around unpredictable supply and store water in containers.

Today, 95% of DCWD customers enjoy continuous water service, with satisfaction levels at an all-time high of 99.6%, and 99.9% in previously underserved areas like Cabantian and Panacan.

The result is immediately felt by residents. Flora Mae Casa of Emily Homes in Cabantian, recalls the daily struggles of fetching water through rotation water truck deliveries.

“Unahan pa sa pila para makakuha ng water and we need to purchase a lot of gallons para pang-ipon namin sa tubig,” Flora shared. (We had to rush to fall in line just to fetch water. We also had to buy many gallons so we could store enough water.)

District 2’s rapid population growth could strain the city’s groundwater-based systems, potentially leading to more frequent water rationing and truck deliveries. Some residents have even had to wake up before dawn just to catch a short trickle of water.

“Mumata mi ug kadlawon mga alas kwatro sa buntag para maabtan namo ang agas, kay pag maabtan na ug mga 10 am, putol-putol na pud ang tubig ana,” said Gerry Dagatan of Upper Panacan. (We used to wake up at 4 a.m. just to get water. Because by 10 a.m., it would already be limited.)

Today, Gerry shares, that’s no longer the case. “Pero napansin na namo run ang dako gyud nga kabag-uhan. Wala na mi ga gamit ug water drums kay naa namay agas ang gripo 24/7.” (We’ve seen a huge change now. No more water drums, there’s 24/7 water from the tap.)

Beyond addressing water concerns, the project’s conjunctive use of surface and ground water also helps ease pressure on underground aquifers, enhancing Davao’s ability to support economic growth and real estate development in rapidly expanding barangays.