In just two years, Davao City has seen a massive leap in its access to clean water. Thanks to the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), over 14,000 more households now have a steady flow of water straight from their taps. The number of new water service connections surged from 8,600 in 2022 to more than 21,000 today.
This progress stems from a joint initiative between Apo Agua and the Davao City Water District (DCWD). The project draws surface water from the Panigan-Tamugan River, easing the city’s reliance on groundwater and ensuring a sustainable water future for Davaoeños.
Not long ago, communities like Cabantian and Panacan dealt with frequent water outages. In 2022, only 90 percent of Cabantian had round-the-clock water service. Panacan fared worse, with only 67 percent enjoying steady access. Residents were forced to adapt, storing water in buckets and barrels and bracing for unplanned interruptions.
Today, that uncertainty is mostly gone.
New data shows that 95 percent of DCWD customers now benefit from uninterrupted water service. In areas like Cabantian and Panacan, satisfaction levels have soared, reaching nearly 100 percent.
In Barangay Indangan, small eatery owner Evelyn del Campo recalled the struggle: “We used to lose water for two days at a time, and we’d have to haul water ourselves. Sometimes it would cut off without warning,” she shared. “Now, we rarely hear about interruptions and the water pressure is strong.”
Stories like hers echo the transformation in many areas once plagued by unstable supply. The result is a more convenient, confident daily life for thousands.
The improvements didn’t come overnight. They’re the result of long-term planning, strong investment, and a unique public-private collaboration. The DCBWSP isn’t just a construction project — it’s a blueprint for sustainable development.
More than pipes and pumps, this initiative represents a shared commitment: that access to water is not a privilege, but a right for every household.
But this achievement comes with responsibility. All this progress depends on one source — the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. This rich ecosystem sustains Davao’s supply, and its forests and rivers must be protected to keep the water flowing.
While Apo Agua and DCWD deliver the water, it’s the watershed that gives it life. Reforestation, conservation, and community action are now essential to preserve this momentum.
Every Davaoeño is called to be a guardian of the source. Let’s protect the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed, just as it protects our city. Through our collective care, future generations can continue to enjoy clean, reliable water.