The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has successfully restored approximately 90 percent of its normal daily water production capacity, marking a significant recovery nearly one month after its infrastructure was severely damaged by Typhoon Tino.
Rapid Recovery Progress Documented
As of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, MCWD's production output had reached impressive recovery levels. By November 27, the water district was producing 248,000 cubic meters daily out of its normal capacity of 275,000 cubic meters per day.
This represents a dramatic improvement from earlier in the month. On November 5, production had only recovered to 40 percent capacity, equivalent to approximately 109,500 cubic meters daily. Just five days later on November 10, output had jumped to 73 percent, or 200,500 cubic meters per day.
Impact on Service Connections
MCWD Information Officer Minerva Gerodias confirmed in a November 28 phone interview that this recovery means normal water pressure has returned for the utility's 214,000 residential and commercial service connections across its franchise area.
The current daily water production consists of 144,000 cubic meters from MCWD's in-house supply sources and 104,000 cubic meters contributed by bulk suppliers.
Ongoing Repair Efforts and Future Targets
Typhoon Tino, which struck Cebu on November 4, caused extensive damage to pipelines, pumping stations, and power-dependent facilities. The devastation left numerous areas including Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, and neighboring municipalities without reliable water service for weeks.
Since the typhoon's impact, MCWD repair teams have been working continuously to restore critical infrastructure. Significant progress has been made at key facilities including:
- The Jaclupan Facility in Talisay City
- Lusaran supply systems in upland Cebu City
- Pipeline systems connected to Buhisan Dam
Gerodias explained that the remaining 10 percent production deficit is primarily due to intermittent operations at the JE Hydro-Lusaran facility in upland Cebu City. This facility is currently supplying only 10,000-15,000 cubic meters daily compared to its normal output of 30,000 cubic meters.
The production volume is expected to gradually increase starting next week, with full restoration of the remaining 30,000 cubic meters per day targeted to begin before December 25. This timeline includes ongoing repairs at the water treatment plant in Compostela along the Cotcot River, which was severely damaged during Typhoon Tino. This plant normally supplies 10,000 cubic meters daily to MCWD.
Significant infrastructure repairs have already been completed, including the Jaclupan Wellfield facility in Talisay City, which resumed operation following successful leak repairs on interconnected pipelines. Repair works on the pipeline at Binaliw Bridge are also complete, with flushing conducted to ensure water quality meets standards.
