DUMAGUETE CITY – Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) is ramping up preparations for the forecasted El Niño by expanding its water production capacity, upgrading its distribution network, and strengthening groundwater protection measures to help secure Dumaguete City’s water supply during prolonged dry conditions.
At the center of these efforts is the construction of MDW’s 23rd pumping station, which is expected to provide an additional three million liters of water per day (3 MLD) when it becomes operational in 2027.
Construction is scheduled to begin within the year, marking another investment in strengthening the city’s water supply infrastructure and improving its capacity to meet consumer demand. The initiative forms part of the water utility’s El Niño mitigation plan, which also includes continuous protection of groundwater resources while promoting responsible water consumption.
Despite concerns over potentially prolonged dry conditions, MDW assured its approximately 37,000 consumers that current monitoring results continue to indicate healthy groundwater levels.
“Our approach is to safeguard and augment supply, strengthen the system, and continue monitoring our water sources,” said MDW Chief Operating Officer Engr. Robert R. Cabiles.
MDW is also undertaking infrastructure improvements, including pipeline installation, pipe upgrades and other network enhancements designed to improve distribution efficiency and ensure that available water reaches consumers more effectively.
Cabiles said the company is taking early action guided by advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), even as groundwater monitoring results remain encouraging.
“Our current monitoring shows that Dumaguete continues to have a robust groundwater source, and our latest data has shown healthy groundwater levels despite extended dry periods as noted in the 2024 El Niño,” he said.
“But we are definitely not complacent. The potential El Niño requires preparation, and we have been strengthening the system to make sure we are in a better position to manage prolonged dry conditions,” he said
Dumaguete’s water supply relies on groundwater extracted through MDW’s 22 existing deep wells. Although groundwater sources generally respond more gradually to reduced rainfall than surface water sources, prolonged dry conditions can still affect groundwater replenishment and availability. To help protect this vital resource, the company also maintains the watershed in Barangay Lunga, Valencia, in partnership with the Dumaguete City Water District and upland farmers.
Watershed protection complements the utility’s infrastructure investments by helping preserve the natural environment that supports groundwater replenishment and the long-term sustainability of water resources.
MDW is likewise strengthening its conservation campaign, encouraging households to adopt water-saving practices before the effects of reduced rainfall and prolonged heat become more pronounced.
Cabiles urged consumers to monitor their daily water use, regularly check their properties for leaks, and promptly repair or report leaks to prevent unnecessary water loss.
“Our Kauban consumers in Dumaguete can implement simple changes in their day-to-day activities to do their part in preparing for possible effects of a super El Niño. Preparedness should start even before the worst conditions are felt,” he said.
The company continues to use its social media platforms to share water conservation reminders and encourage consumers to follow official weather and water-supply advisories.
Through additional production capacity, distribution system improvements, groundwater monitoring, watershed protection and public cooperation, MDW is working to strengthen Dumaguete’s water security ahead of a potentially challenging dry season.
While current groundwater conditions remain encouraging, the utility emphasized that sustained preparation and responsible water use will be essential to maintaining a reliable supply should prolonged dry conditions develop.
