Digging for More Groundwater in Cebu a 'Dangerous Regression' - CERA
A plan by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to shift to more groundwater sources is branded a 'dangerous regression' by the Cebu Electricity Reform Advocates (CERA). They warn this cost-cutting move could irreparably harm Metro Cebu's long-term habitability by depleting already strained aquifers and jeopardizing the future water supply for generations.
The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) announced in March 2026 a strategic shift toward increased groundwater extraction as a cost-saving measure, with newly appointed General Manager John DX Lapid revealing this plan during a forum on March 24, 2026. The move is driven by significant cost differences: groundwater from deep wells costs approximately P15 per cubic meter, compared to P73 per cubic meter for bulk water from private vendors like Manila Water Philippine Ventures, JE Hydro and Bio-Energy Corp., and Abejo Waters Corp. MCWD aims to reduce dependence on these expensive bulk water contracts while addressing financial deficits experienced earlier in 2026.
The Cebu Electricity Reform Advocates (CERA), led by convenor Nathaniel Chua, has strongly criticized this strategy as a 'dangerous regression' that could irreparably harm Metro Cebu's long-term habitability. CERA warns that excessive groundwater extraction could lead to saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, contamination, falling water tables, and land subsidence. They argue this cost-cutting approach jeopardizes future water supply for generations and creates a 'hidden water tax' on low-income families who pay up to P500+ per cubic meter for water delivery trucks or P1,000+ for refill stations when unable to access reliable piped water.
MCWD's implementation plan involves revitalizing its Water Sourcing Committee, increasing deep well utilization, and collaborating with local government units and private organizations to access groundwater without acquiring new land. The utility is also exploring complementary strategies including identifying new well sites across Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu City, and constructing in-house desalination plants. Despite the groundwater strategy, MCWD implemented a P23 rate increase starting April 1, 2026, raising the minimum residential charge to P259.16, authorized by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to address budget deficits.
A critical challenge complicating MCWD's finances is non-revenue water loss, with approximately P6 million daily lost through illegal connections and leaks in aging pipes, some exceeding 30 years old. MCWD has committed to reducing non-revenue water by 25 percent by December 2026 and 20 percent by December 2027 through pipeline upgrades, anti-pilferage efforts, and leak repairs. The utility maintains that groundwater extraction is regulated by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) with no drilling permitted without proper permits, but experts warn that Metro Cebu is among Asia's most vulnerable cities to water scarcity, with per capita availability dropping from 1,907 to 1,400 cubic meters between 2000-2016 due to population growth and deforestation.
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