Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) is adding three million liters per day to its production capacity and upgrading its distribution network as it moves to secure water supply for 37,000 consumers ahead of a potentially severe El Niño.
The utility plans to begin construction this year of its 23rd pumping station, which is expected to deliver the additional capacity when it becomes operational in 2027.
The investment forms part of MDW’s El Niño mitigation plan, which also covers pipeline improvements, groundwater monitoring, watershed protection, and water conservation initiatives.
Despite the threat of extended dry spells, the utility said its latest monitoring results indicate healthy groundwater levels, providing an encouraging baseline for its preparations.
“Our approach is to safeguard and augment supply, strengthen the system, and continue monitoring our water sources,” said MDW Chief Operating Officer Engr. Robert R. Cabiles.
MDW currently operates 22 deep wells that supply Dumaguete’s water requirements. While groundwater generally responds more gradually to reduced rainfall than surface water, prolonged dry conditions can still affect replenishment and long-term availability.
Cabiles said groundwater levels remained healthy even during the extended dry periods associated with the 2024 El Niño, but stressed that the utility was not taking current conditions for granted as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns of another potential climate threat.
The company is also installing and upgrading pipelines to improve distribution efficiency and reduce water losses. It maintains a watershed in Barangay Lunga, Valencia, in partnership with the Dumaguete City Water District and upland farmers to help preserve the natural environment supporting groundwater replenishment.
Alongside infrastructure and resource protection, MDW is encouraging households to check for leaks, promptly repair damaged pipes, and monitor daily water consumption.
“Preparedness should start even before the worst conditions are felt,” Cabiles said, urging consumers to adopt simple water-saving practices to help the city manage a potentially prolonged dry spell.
