Water Supply in Cebu, Philippines: A Case Study

Herman van Engelen, SVD
Director, Water Resources Center
University of San Carlos
Cebu City

https://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2003.4749

Abstract

This paper focuses on the water supply of Cebu City and the island because it is a contained supply and consumption system with some historical data. It intends to show that understanding nature’s water supply system is essential for sound management of a water distribution system. From 1911 until World War II, Cebu relied on surface water (Buhisan Dam) and groundwater (Jagobiao) spring for its distribution system. After the war, deep wells were added to the system. From 1974 to the present, substantial foreign input analyzed the local situation and provided possible solutions. This paper further points out what has to be done at the present time to ensure that Cebu will have potable water for its people.