Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has urged the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to prioritize reducing non-revenue water, which costs the city up to P6.5 million daily.
The issue arises from the gap between 300,000 cubic meters of water supplied daily and only 200,000 cubic meters actually reaching consumers due to leaks, wastage, and pilferage.
Archival described reducing NRW as a “low-hanging fruit” that could immediately fund water services while the city continues to explore new water sources.
MCWD Chairman Ruben Almendras, who recently resumed his post, said the utility faces net losses due to high costs, NRW, and delayed rate adjustments, highlighting the need to improve profitability.
Observers noted that Almendras’ return could stabilize MCWD amid financial challenges, aging infrastructure, and supply issues affecting over 200,000 connections in Metro Cebu.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 3, 2026
