An expanding water infrastructure in Davao City is providing a boost to local businesses and households, with an additional 14,000 new water service connections added in just two years under the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), according to data from Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc.

The city’s private bulk water supplier said the Davao City Water District (DCWD) has increased its service reach from 8,600 new connections in 2022 to more than 21,000 in 2024.

The majority of Davao’s daily water supply is now sustainably sourced from the Panigan-Tamugan River through the DCBWSP, a landmark partnership between Apo Agua and DCWD.

With the new surface water system in place, previously underserved areas like Cabantian and Panacan are now experiencing significantly improved service, with customer satisfaction in these communities reaching 99.9 percent. Overall, 95 percent of DCWD’s service area now enjoys uninterrupted supply, while citywide satisfaction has surged to 99.6 percent, according to the latest utility data.

The enhanced service reliability is also helping micro and small enterprises, especially in areas previously affected by water shortages. Evelyn del Campo, a local eatery owner, said the improvements have made a significant difference in her day-to-day operations.

“This time, there is no water interruption and the water pressure has improved,” she said.

Apo Agua said the project highlights the potential of collaborative infrastructure efforts.

“This milestone is helping us flow into a progressive future, but we also have to do our part,” the company said in a social media post.

“Let us protect the Panigan-Tamugan through various conservation efforts so that future generations can continue to benefit from the strength of this watershed,” it added in Bisaya.

The DCBWSP is among the country’s largest private bulk water supply projects and is being eyed as a model for future public-private partnerships in sustainable water resource development.