Water Service Gradually Returns to Metro Cebu
Water service in Metro Cebu is steadily recovering, with the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) announcing that 73% of its operational capacity has been restored as of Monday, November 10. This significant progress comes in the wake of the severe damage inflicted by Typhoon Tino, which left many areas without a reliable water supply.
Critical Infrastructure Suffers Major Damage
In a phone interview with SunStar Cebu on Monday, MCWD information officer Minerva Gerodias revealed the extent of the damage. The Jaclupan Facility in Talisay City was one of the hardest-hit sources, losing an estimated 30,000 cubic meters of daily production. This massive loss is attributed to a broken 800mm transmission line that carries water from the source to the Tisa reservoir.
Another critical source, the Lusaran facility, which normally supplies about 30,000 cubic meters, was flooded, damaging its power-dependent systems. Restoration work is ongoing, with full recovery expected within a week. In a positive development, the Northern Cebu Bulk Water sources, which produce around 37,500 cubic meters, sustained only minor damage and have mostly recovered with the aid of backup generators.
Round-the-Clock Efforts and Coordination
In an advisory, MCWD assured consumers that its teams are working 24/7 to repair and rehabilitate damaged pipelines, pumping stations, and water production facilities across Metro Cebu. The water district is coordinating with local government units and the Visayan Electric Company to expedite the restoration process, especially in areas where supply remains intermittent.
As of Monday, MCWD's current water production has reached 200,500 cubic meters per day. This is a substantial increase from the post-typhoon lows but still below its total full capacity of 275,000 cubic meters, which serves Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, and parts of northern Cebu. The agency continues to reassure the public that efforts to achieve a full and stable water supply restoration are its utmost priority.
