MCWD Intensifies Efforts to Reduce Water Losses and Enhance Public Health Safeguards
The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has strongly reaffirmed its commitment to reducing water losses, modernizing critical infrastructure, and safeguarding public health. This announcement follows recent concerns raised by a civil society group regarding water security and potential contamination risks in Metro Cebu. In a detailed statement released on March 2, 2026, MCWD outlined ambitious targets to address these pressing issues.
Ambitious Targets for Non-Revenue Water Reduction
MCWD has set specific goals to significantly cut non-revenue water (NRW), which includes losses from leaks, theft, and metering errors. The utility aims to reduce NRW to 25 percent by December 2026 and further down to 20 percent by December 2027. These projected reductions are expected to generate substantial financial benefits, with over P109.8 million in additional annual revenues anticipated in 2026 and P335.8 million in 2027.
The funds generated from these savings will be strategically allocated to support extensive infrastructure upgrades and service improvements. MCWD emphasized that reducing NRW remains a top priority, with measurable progress already underway to ensure more efficient water distribution across the region.
Infrastructure Investments and Anti-Pilferage Campaigns
To achieve these targets, MCWD has earmarked substantial investments for the renewal of aging pipelines and the installation of new distribution lines. The utility is also intensifying its campaign against water pilferage and continues to hold contractors and other utilities accountable for project-related damages that result in major leaks. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance system reliability and minimize water loss.
Response to Civil Society Concerns
The statement from MCWD came in response to calls from the Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (Cera), which urged the utility to ensure water security and prevent contamination. Cera convenor Nathaniel Chua described MCWD's current NRW levels as a "fiscal and humanitarian disaster" for the people of Cebu, noting that despite recent rate increases, the utility continues to lose an estimated 30 to 32 percent of its total water supply.
MCWD also addressed claims about consumers paying for so-called "ghost water," clarifying that non-revenue water does not pass through customer meters and is therefore not billed. The agency stressed that billing remains consumption-driven, with consumers charged only for water that reaches their premises and flows through their respective meters.
By focusing on these initiatives, MCWD aims to not only improve financial sustainability but also enhance public trust and ensure a safer, more reliable water supply for Metro Cebu residents.
