The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is counting on its groundwater reserves and surface water sources to sustain water services as a looming “Super El Niño” threatens to bring prolonged dry conditions from late 2026 through the first half of 2027.
DCWD spokesperson Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod said Wednesday that the water utility began preparing for the possible effects of El Niño early this year after the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) issued initial forecasts of the climate phenomenon.
“We have been monitoring even at the start of the year considering early naghatag og forecast ang PAGASA, na there is a possibility of an El Niño happening by the end of 2026 and extending up to the first quarter of 2027,” Duhaylungsod said during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
As part of its preparations, DCWD has been advising customers to brace for the possible effects of prolonged dry conditions while coordinating with the Davao City government to help secure an adequate water supply.
PAGASA’s September 23 climate advisory warned that El Niño could intensify into a very strong episode and persist through the first half of 2027. Its October 7 advisory also indicated that the phenomenon could peak before the end of this year.
Duhaylungsod said DCWD’s use of both groundwater and surface water allows it to compensate for declining supply from one source with the other.
“It’s very timely that we have already stabilized our operation,” she said.
The utility began tapping surface water in 2024 to supplement its groundwater supply, giving it an additional source to rely on as dry conditions develop.
Duhaylungsod said DCWD’s monitoring since January showed that its groundwater sources had not been significantly affected by El Niño, noting that these are located about 150 to 200 meters underground.
Meanwhile, the utility recorded around 77 instances of reduced flow in the Tamugan River, with the lowest level observed in April. Despite the decline, the river had not reached a critical level, she said.
The reduction in surface water supply has not resulted in system-wide low water pressure or water shortages among customers during the monitoring period, according to Duhaylungsod.
“So, ngano ingon ana man? Naa na man kaya’y reduction sa surface water, nganong wala siya nabati sa customer? That’s the beauty of the conjunctive use,” she said, referring to the combined use of groundwater and surface water.
DCWD prioritizes the distribution of surface water while keeping about 300,000 cubic meters of groundwater reserves available to augment supply when river flows decrease, she said.
Duhaylungsod cited a roughly 70% decline in the Tamugan River’s flow in April, adding that the utility’s groundwater reserves were sufficient to make up for the reduction in its bulk water supply.
However, she cautioned that the utility could face greater challenges if surface water levels decline further as El Niño intensifies.
“So, with that ground water reserve, we’re ready to augment kung unsa man tong pag-ubus pagyud further sa atoaang surface water source,” she said.
PAGASA has warned that El Niño raises the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, increasing the risk of dry spells and drought in vulnerable areas.
DCWD said it would continue relying on its combined water sources to maintain service while encouraging the public to prepare for potentially prolonged dry conditions.
