- Cited as country’s best water district The Davao City Water District once again has proven its status as the best water district utility in the country as cited by the Local Water Utilities Administration and the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD).
Despite the El Niño phenomenon which hit the Philippines early and has not spared Davao Region, DCWD continued to deliver sufficient supply of water almost double the current water demand. El Niño is characterized by severe dry spells which reduce water supply often resulting to rotational rationing of water and significant agricultural productivity.
Former City Councilor Pilar Braga, author of Davao City Water Code, acknowledged in an interview that the plans and accomplishments of DCWD have led to the sustainability of water supply in Davao City even in inhospitable drought.
The abundance of water supply is attributed to DCWD strategy of tapping the surface water of Tamugan and Panigan rivers as an alternate source then integrating it through the bulk water supply with the groundwater from dozens of production wells in the rich and vital aquifers of Davao City. Fifty two percent of DCWD current water supply is sourced from groundwater and 48% from surface water. With this DCWD is able to absorb additional water service connections in the city and more areas had been enjoying access to affordable and safe water and help mitigate the possible impact of the extreme weather condition.
Braga took note of the alternating use of water sources and supply which she said had effectively reduced groundwater extraction, and ensured the replenishment of Davao City’s aquifers. This, she explained, not only prevented the irreversible possibility of saline waters from displacing the fresh water from the aquifers, but also an important factor protecting water sources and supply sustainability for the city.
In a related development DCWD has also improved service reliability, with 96% of customers enjoying 24/7 water service with adequate pressure.Infrastructure projects and other improvement activities are also underway to improve water service for the remaining 4%.
Councilor Braga said “Let’s give credit to whom the credit is due “. She acknowledged that the strategic use of both ground and surface water sources is the result of decades of forward planning of the DCWD Board of Directors Chaired by Datu Bago Awardee, Ed Bangayan and the Management Team headed by Mildred Aviles. “It cannot be denied that they anticipated and took into account Davao City’s economic development and population growth and the corresponding water needs that will ensue”, she added.
For her part General Manager Aviles assured that DCWD remains committed in further enhancing its services, optimizing operations, expanding service coverage, protecting water sources, and investing in infrastructure to ensure safe and future-ready water service for the Davaoeños.
