Carcar Water District Unveils P358.11-Million Expansion Plan to Address Water and Sanitation Challenges
The Carcar Water District has put forward a comprehensive proposal for a P358.11-million expansion of its water supply system, coupled with the construction of two septage treatment plants. This initiative aims to tackle the escalating demand for water and improve sanitation infrastructure in Carcar City, as detailed in the district’s Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP).
Addressing Population Growth and Water Deficits
The expansion project is designed as a Level 3 water supply system, intended to serve an estimated 140,308 residents across 15 barangays. This move responds to a significant supply deficit and the lack of centralized septage treatment facilities in the city. The report highlights a 2.80 percent annual population growth rate, with projected domestic water demand ranging from 14.03 to 18.24 million liters per day. When factoring in a 20 percent allowance for non-revenue water and additional commercial needs, the total system capacity is expected to exceed 22 million liters per day by 2030.
Currently, many households rely on individual septic systems, posing risks to groundwater and coastal aquifers, as well as potential impacts on local rivers such as Minag-a and Valladolid. The proposed septage treatment plants are crucial for mitigating these environmental threats.
Infrastructure Components and Cost Allocation
The project includes the construction of two septage treatment plants: STP 1 in Barangay Tuyom and STP 2 in Barangay Napo, each with an estimated cost of P110 million. These facilities will provide centralized septage management, enhancing public health and environmental protection.
Of the total project cost, P138.11 million is allocated to other critical infrastructure elements:
- P55.2 million for 23 new deep well pumping stations in various barangays, including Ylaya in Bolinawan, Talamban in Napo, and Luan-luan in Poblacion 1, with each station estimated at P2.4 million.
- P28.35 million for water storage tanks, such as the reservoir in Dandan, Poblacion 1, and tanks in Mahayahay, Guadalupe, Perrelos, and Mantepassi, Bolinawan.
- P54.56 million for expanding the pipeline network, covering approximately 100 kilometers of transmission and distribution lines using high-density polyethylene and ductile iron pipes.
Technological and Environmental Considerations
The EPRMP specifies that pumping stations will employ high-efficiency, variable-speed submersible pumps with generator backup systems, while storage facilities will use glass-fused-to-steel bolted tanks. For the septage treatment plants, technologies under evaluation include Sequencing Batch Reactor, Activated Sludge Process, and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor systems.
Environmental management measures are a key focus, with the report noting that project sites are located outside major protected areas. Measures include groundwater monitoring and mitigation of construction-related impacts. A perception survey conducted in March 2025 revealed that 95 percent of respondents support the project, indicating strong community backing.
Project Timeline and Public Engagement
Completion of the environmental impact assessment process and submission of final documentation are targeted by April 2026. A public hearing for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the proposed expansion is scheduled for March 17, 2026, providing an opportunity for stakeholder input and transparency in the planning process.
This ambitious expansion underscores the Carcar Water District’s commitment to sustainable development and addressing the city’s pressing water and sanitation needs.
