Davao City Water District Confirms Adequate Supply While Urging Conservation
The Davao City Water District (DCWD) has provided reassurance to residents that the city currently possesses sufficient water resources to meet existing needs. However, officials are simultaneously issuing a strong reminder for Dabawenyos to adopt wise water usage practices, as demand continues to escalate steadily.
Current Water Infrastructure and Sources
DCWD Spokesperson Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod detailed that Districts 1, 2, and 3 are serviced by established water supply systems, which are replenished by the city's eight identified watersheds. These include the Davao, Lasang, Bunawan, Talomo, Matina, Lipadas, Sirawan, and Sibulan Rivers. Presently, the city operates 74 production wells, one spring source, and one bulk water source supplied by Apo Agua from the Panigan-Tamugan River.
Watershed Balances and Future Projections
Duhaylungsod highlighted specific watershed conditions, noting that the Talomo-Lipadas-Sibulan watershed maintains a positive balance with an estimated daily flow of 700,000 cubic meters and a withdrawal rate of 355,000 cubic meters. In contrast, the Davao-Bunawan-Lasang watershed has a withdrawal rate of 40,000 cubic meters, matching its estimated flow. She emphasized the critical need for strategic planning to address future demands, citing projections that Davao City's population will reach 2.09 million by 2030, with water demand expected to double to 824,941 cubic meters per day.
"Despite the current water status we're seeing and the ballooning water demand, we must have strategies in place to ensure water security," Duhaylungsod stated.
Ongoing Rehabilitation and Monitoring Efforts
Since the mid-1990s, DCWD has been actively rehabilitating watersheds, covering over 1,600 hectares in areas such as Talomo-Lipadas and Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan. Duhaylungsod confirmed that continuous monitoring is conducted to prevent illegal activities and sustain these rehabilitation initiatives, ensuring long-term water resource protection.
Call for Responsible Water Use and Management
Engr. Liza Mae Villora of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-Davao) reinforced the conservation message, stressing that while Davao City is blessed with abundant water, it remains a finite resource. "We must protect our water sources through proper waste management and responsible use," she asserted, adding that simple practices like turning off taps, checking for leaks, and smart laundry habits can significantly impact sustainability. She urged residents to be mindful of their consumption to secure long-term water availability for the growing population.
Awards for Environmental Advocacy
During a recent water forum, various partners were honored for their substantial contributions to the EMB's advocacy for responsible water utilization and proper waste management. Among the awardees was the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), recognized for its consistent support of environmental programs, particularly cleanup initiatives.
Aldrin Enrina, Pollution Control Officer of Davao Light and Power Company Inc., noted that the company has been actively conducting cleanup drives in Buhangin since 2012. "We conduct water quality monitoring every quarter and organize a cleanup drive at the site every semester," Enrina explained. He added that the company is scheduled to hold another cleanup drive in the last week of March in observance of World Water Day, further demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship.
