The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), the largest of its kind in the country capable of producing 300 million liters per day (MLD) started commercial production on Wednesday.
Its inauguration, attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, highlights the partnership between the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) and ensures the supply of safe, reliable, and sustainable water to over one million Davao residents.
Apo Agua is a subsidiary unit of Aboitiz InfraCapital.
President Marcos delivered a message stressing the urgent need to address the country’s water situation.
“What this demonstrates is a proven approach in battling water scarcity, which is no longer a seasonal challenge, but a perpetual threat that comes with climate change. It is for this reason that I continuously stress the urgency of improving water security, and directed agencies concerned to expedite the completion of all water projects across the country,” said the President.
The water produced by Apo Agua will be distributed to the DCWD’s water supply systems in Calinan, Tugbok, Riverside, Dumoy (Panorama), Cabantian, and Panacan. DCWD manages the distribution of water supply to Davao residents within its franchise area. The DCBWSP augments DCWD’s reliance on groundwater sources allowing the DCWD to recharge the majority of its wells.
Apo Agua bulk water facility utilizes the Tamugan River as water source and is designed using the water-energy nexus system – a first in Southeast Asia – which enables the facility to power itself through its hydroelectric power plant and contribute surplus energy to the grid.
The DCBWSP started operating in December last year and has since improved water supply and availability, especially in Davao City’s second district where water supply is intermittent.
