The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has warned that the city may experience a 25,000-cubic-meter-per-day shortfall in water supply during the expected dry period. This projection comes as the region prepares for the typical dry season, which usually begins in March.
The MCWD has identified the potential shortage as a result of reduced rainfall and lower inflows from nearby rivers. Officials have noted that the current reservoir levels are below average, which could exacerbate the situation. No immediate emergency measures have been announced, but the district is monitoring the situation closely.
This shortage follows a series of drought-related challenges in the region over the past few years. In 2022, Cebu experienced a similar shortfall, leading to strict water rationing in some areas. The current situation is being compared to that period, with officials urging residents to conserve water. The MCWD is also exploring alternative water sources, including desalination and inter-basin transfers, to mitigate the impact.
