Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

With a burgeoning population and a booming economy, Cebu City faces an increasing

demand in water. However, the quality and quantity of its water supply is threatened by the

depletion of both groundwater and surface water resources. In addition, climatic changes worsen

the water shortage, particularly affecting the surface water bodies in Cebu like Buhisan Dam.

With its main water utility, Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), facing a daily deficit in

water distribution, there is a need to assess the nature of water supply among the residential areas

in Cebu City.

In the Philippine context, various studies have been conducted regarding water supply.

Greenpeace (2007) gave attention to water scarcity and the pollution of freshwater sources. Also,

van Engelen (2003) focused on the water supply of Cebu, additionally stating that understanding

nature's water supply system is essential for a sound management of a water distribution system.

Furthermore, JICA (2010) categorized several types of drinking water supply in Metro Cebu and

determined the number of households and barangays served by MCWD. On the contrary, few

household-level studies have documented the sources of water supply for domestic use such as

the studies of Largo et al. (1998) and David & Inocencio (1998). Additionally, these studies

characterized the quality of water service, cost of water and levels of water demand in relation to

household income.

1
 However, the household-level studies mentioned were conducted about 20 years ago. The

population in Cebu City has since then increased by thousands along with its demand for water.

As stated by van Engelen (2003), the supply does not anticipate the demand; the supply follows

the demand. In addition, the studies mentioned did not delve into the problems encountered by the

households regarding their water supply. Thus, there is a need to conduct this study in order to

obtain a more recent documentation of the sources of water supply among the residential areas

within Cebu City. Moreover, it is essential for this study to consider the deteriorating state of both

surface and groundwater resources in Cebu in order to assess the problems encountered by the

MCWD customers. However, as part of the scope of this study, the researchers did not focus on

the management functions and the tariffs imposed by MCWD.

Hence, this study aimed to assess and investigate the nature of water supply in the

residential areas within Cebu City. The researchers intended to determine the main source of water

supply, identify the problems encountered by the MCWD customers and gather their

recommendations for the improvement of MCWD’s service. In fact, this study is in line with the

Department of Civil Engineering’s Research Agenda about water. Through this study, the findings

can be used by the government and by MCWD in addressing the issues regarding the state of water

within Cebu City.

2
Theoretical Background

According to Maurya et al. (2016), water supply is the process of self-provision or

provision by third parties in the water industry, commonly a public utility, of water resources

to different users. A wide variety of activities need water supply for operations including

residential, commercial, recreational, industrial and agricultural.

As stated by Greenpeace (2007), the Philippines obtains its water supply from different

sources including rainfall, surface water resources and groundwater resources. Surface water is

defined by Vijaya (2016) as the available water on the earth’s surface. This includes water that

flows in streams, rivers and reservoirs. On the contrary, groundwater is defined by Greenpeace

(2007) as a subsurface water that occurs beneath a water table in soils and rocks. Additionally,

groundwater resources are continuously recharged by rain and seepage from rivers and lakes

(PEM, 2003).

Greenpeace (2007) claimed that theoretically, the water storage capacity and the high rate

of precipitation assure the country an adequate supply for its agricultural, industrial and domestic

uses. However, Barba (2003) stated that because of the different geographic and climate

conditions prevailing in different parts of the country, distribution of these resource varies widely

in time and place.

Moreover, the Little Green Data Book of the World Bank (2015) stated that one out of

five Filipinos does not get water from formal sources. Only 77 percent of the rural population

and 90 percent of the urban population have access to an improved water source. Furthermore,

only 44 percent have direct house connections. Those without house connections access water

from wells, springs, public faucets, and/or from small scale informal providers (Madrazo, 2002).

3
Sources of Water Supply

Improved water source is defined by the World Health Organization as a source that, by

nature of its construction or through active intervention, is protected from outside contamination,

particularly fecal matter. This primarily includes piped household water connections located in a

dwelling, plot or yard. Other improved water sources are public taps, tube wells, protected spring

and rainwater collection. In contrast, unimproved water sources include unprotected dug wells

and springs, tanker trucks and surface water.

Moreover, a local study conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (2010)

categorized several types of drinking water supply observed in Metro Cebu excluding bottled water.

These types were MCWD water supply, non-MCWD water supplies, own water sources, indirect

users, water vendors, and water supply associations. Being the main water utility in Metro Cebu,

MCWD was reported by JICA (2010) to have franchise water supply areas in four cities and four

municipalities. Furthermore, the study described the second type which are non-MCWD water

supplies as services managed and operated by private companies using piped system. The third type

includes electric or hand-pump wells as a household’s own water source. Indirect users make up the

fourth type wherein water is bought from the aforementioned services. The fifth type consists of water

vendors who use small de-salination systems with hand delivery. Lastly, water supply associations

refer to services mainly for subdivisions.

Additionally, JICA (2010) conducted a survey that determined the number of barangays and

households in Metro Cebu that are currently served by MCWD. The findings of the study showed that

8 out of 10 barangays and 42 percent of the sample households in Cebu City are served by MCWD. In

a household-level survey conducted by Largo et al. (1998), the researchers examined the nature of

4
the households’ supply and demand for water. Consequently, the households were representative of

different sources of water, levels of water consumption and income levels.

Furthermore, the findings of Largo et al. (1998) indicated that about forty percent of the

sample households rely solely on MCWD piped water connection. In contrast, the rest of the

households rely on a variation of private waterworks, their own well-water, vended water and public

faucets. Additionally, the results indicated that the average income of households relying on MCWD

or private waterworks is at least twice as much as most of those dependent on vended water and public

faucets. Also, the average consumption of water was noticed to be higher for households with higher

income levels. However, in the present study, the researchers focused only on the sources of water of

households within Barangay Pit-os, Talamban, Banilad and Lahug.

Problems Encountered by MCWD Customers

The present research aimed to identify the problems encountered by MCWD customers in

terms of their water supply. In a similar household-level study conducted by David & Inocencio

(1998) in Metro Manila, the quality of water service provided by Metro Manila Waterworks and

Sewerage System (MWSS) was judged by the time availability and degree of water pressure.

The results indicated that less than 60 percent of the households with MWSS connections receive

water throughout the day. In terms of water pressure, 40 percent of MWSS households suffer

from low water pressure.

However, water supply in Metro Manila differs from that of Metro Cebu. MWSS

receives 97 percent of its raw water requirements from Angat Dam, a concrete water reservoir

that impounds water from the Angat River (Jaranilla-Sanchez et al., 2014). Meanwhile, MCWD

has three types of water source: groundwater, surface water and bulk water (JICA, 2010). With a

5
total of 109 wells, groundwater contributes to 71.7 percent of MCWD’s total water production.

On the other hand, surface water supplied by Buhisan and Jaclupan Dam contributes 18.7 percent

only. Groundwater through bulk water supply, however, makes up the remaining 9.6 percent

(JICA, 2010).

In the present study, the state of natural water resources in Cebu were considered in order

to comprehend the problems encountered by the MCWD customers. As stated by van Engelen

(2003), understanding nature's water supply system is essential for a sound management of a

water distribution system. Regarding groundwater, JICA (2010) reported that groundwater in

Metro Cebu is now being compromised by saline water triggered by excessive pumping. As the

main source of water for Metro Cebu, the growing pollution of groundwater aquifers affects not

only the quality but also the quantity of water supply (Largo et al., 1998). Moreover, Abd-

Elhamid & Javadi (2008) mentioned that salinization of groundwater is considered a special

category of pollution that threatens groundwater resources because mixing a small quantity (2

percent) of saltwater with groundwater makes freshwater unsuitable.

Furthermore, surface water also faces pollution and depletion. Santos (1997) pointed out

that excessive logging triggers siltation of lakes, rivers and reservoirs. In a study of JICA (2010),

Buhisan Dam was then reported to supply only five percent of MCWD’s total water production

due to its heavily silted state. Additionally, occurrences of extreme climatic events like drought

have negative impacts on surface water bodies. In a recent news article in 2019, it was reported

that about 6,000 households in several barangays in Cebu City have been affected by the

shortage of water supply since Buhisan Dam had dried up and could no longer supply water.

Interestingly, Galaitsi et al. (2016) argued that insufficient water resources and other

environmental constraints often reported by water suppliers constitute only one aspect of the

6
issue on intermittent water supply. Hence, technical problems in a water distribution system also

affect the experience of the customers. With this notion, a study conducted by Mehta et al.

(2015) stated that leakages in pipes results in pressure fluctuation which consequently results in

the scarcity of water. In addition, the research of Alsaydalani (2015) showed that cavitation is a

phenomenon in pipes that drastically affects the pressure-flow rate relationship of water.

Recommendations for the Improvement of MCWD’s service

In the present study, it was the aim of the researchers to solicit recommendations from

MCWD customers for the improvement of their water supply. In addressing the growing water

needs, dams have always seen as a vital solution. However, Boyé & de Vivo (2016) argued that

the development of dams is controversial and that their social acceptability is a question of prime

importance. Further, Boyé & de Vivo (2016) discussed that although dams serve various

functions, they also have downsides such as impacts on biodiversity, conflicts of use, risk of

breach, and sometimes the displacement of local populations.

Moreover, Anton & Shelton (2011) emphasized that the problems about dams all relate to

what the dam will do to river flow and to rights of access to water and river resources; to whether

the dam will uproot existing settlements, disrupt the culture and sources of livelihood of local

communities, or deplete environmental resources; and to whether the dam is the best economic

investment of public funds and resources. Therefore, building more dams and other water

infrastructures in Cebu for the improvement of its water supply will likely cause debate and

opposition.

According to the World Bank Group (2003), up to 58 percent of the groundwater supply

in the country intended for drinking are contaminated with coliform and needed treatment. In the

7
prospect of improving MCWD’s service, aside from building more infrastructures, its water

treatment processes should also be considered for development. Moreover, water distribution and

its effectiveness can only be perceived through a good piping system. Aschilean & Giurca (2018)

focused on water distribution pipes, additionally stating that the causes of water loss include the

following: pipe holes, improper pipe fitting, old pipelines, road traffic and road system repairs.

Considering the studies mentioned, improving the water treatment process and the piping

system instigates better outcomes on the improvement and development of water utilities such as

MCWD. Building more dams and water infrastructures, however, offers numerous drawbacks

that may outweigh the possible positive outcomes.

8
 THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to assess and investigate the nature of water supply in the residential

areas within Cebu City.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the sources of water supply for domestic use among the households within

Barangay Pit-os, Talamban, Banilad, and Lahug?

2. What are the problems encountered by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD)

customers?

3. What can the MCWD customers recommend for the improvement of MCWD’s service?

9
Significance of the Study

This study would be beneficial to the following:

To the local government of Cebu, that this study will enable them to establish a

regulatory and institutional framework that will facilitate the achievement of effective water

resource management.

To the staff of MCWD, that this study will give them knowledge about the current

problems that their customers experience.

To Civil Engineering students, that this study will serve as a point of reference for their

research on water resources.

To the society, that everyone would be reminded that water is finite, and that its

consumption requires utmost responsibility and consciousness.

10
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study utilized a quantitative method of research to identify the sources of water

supply among the selected barangays within Cebu City. Additionally, this method was also used

to determine the problems encountered by the MCWD customers and their recommendations for

the improvement of MCWD’s service.

Research Environment

The study was based on a survey conducted in residential areas among Cebu City. The

survey covered four barangays, namely: Pit-os, Talamban, Banilad and Lahug. A common

mistake is the assumption that Pit-os is a part of Talamban. In fact, both are separate barangays,

with the former having a population of 6,244 and the latter having a population of 32,139.

Banilad is a barangay mostly comprised of business and malls with a population of only 7,890.

Lahug, on the other hand, is the second largest barangay in Cebu City with a population of

38,584. Population for each barangay is based on the 2015 Census. The researchers chose these

barangays for gathering data since these are within the service area of MCWD.

Research Respondents

The researchers made use of proportionate stratified random sampling in choosing the

sample households. This method was employed to ensure an equal representation of the four

barangays in reference to their population. Moreover, the sample size of each barangay is

proportionate to its population based on the 2015 Census. In this sampling method, the sample

size varies for each stratum, but the sampling fraction is the same, as demonstrated in Table 1. In

total, 85 households were surveyed.

11
 Table 1. Sampling method

Stratum
Pit-os Talamban Banilad Lahug
(Barangay)

Population (Based
on 2015 Census) 6,244 32,139 7,890 38,584

Sampling Fraction 1 1 1 1
1000 1000 1000 1000

Final Sample Size 6 32 8 39

Research Instruments

For the purpose of this study, a survey in the form of a questionnaire was conducted. The

questionnaire was used to gather information among the households about their sources of water

supply and the problems they have encountered if they rely on MCWD. Moreover, the last

question aimed to solicit the respondent’s recommendations for MCWD to improve their service.

Also, the researchers used a coding sheet to serve as a record of the exact count of the different

sources of water supply, the problems encountered and the recommendations.

Research Procedures

Gathering of Data. First, the researchers went to Pit-os to conduct the survey for the

study. Second, the researchers proceeded to its neighboring barangay, Talamban for the same

purpose. The survey was conducted among both barangays in the first week of April. Lastly, the

researchers did the same for Banilad and Lahug in the following week.

Treatment of Data. After gathering the data, the researchers utilized the coding sheet to

list and rank the results. The researchers then tabulated the data to identify the sources of water

12
supply among the chosen barangays, the problems encountered by those served by MCWD and

their recommendations. To further verify the results, an engineer from the MCWD was

interviewed. The engineer was also the Manager of Production and Distribution of the company.

13
 DEFINITION OF TERMS

In this study, the following terms are defined:

Domestic use refers to the utilization of water for drinking, washing, bathing, cooking,

watering of lawns or gardens, for domestic animals and other household needs.

Household refers to one or more people who occupy a housing unit.

Nature refers to the sources and qualities of water supply.

Residential area refers to a district or community where homes or residential units, either

owned or rented, predominate rather than businesses.

Water supply refers to the provision of water by the public utilities, commercial

organizations or by individuals, usually via a system of pumps and pipes.

14
 Chapter 2

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION

This chapter presents, analyzes, and interprets the nature of water supply in residential

areas within Cebu City. Findings of the present study are based on the following sub-problems:

(1) the different sources of water supply among households within Barangay Pit-os, Talamban,

Banilad and Lahug; (2) problems encountered by the MCWD customers; and (3)

recommendations for the improvement of MCWD’s service.

Sources of Water Supply

The rise in population in Cebu City leads to a rise in water demand. In line with this,

households have adapted different mechanisms in obtaining their water supply for domestic uses.

To determine the sources of water supply among the selected barangays, the present researchers

conducted a survey among 85 households.

Table 1 presents the distribution of households in Barangay Pit-os, Talamban, Banilad

and Lahug by source of water.

Table 1. Water Sources in the Study Area

Source No. of Percentage (%) Ranking

Households

MCWD 69 81.18 1

Self-supplied/Private 15 17.65 2
waterworks
Water vendors 1 1.18 3

Public faucet 0 0 4

Total 85 100

15
 As presented in Table 1, MCWD is the main source of water supply among the four

barangays. Specifically, sixty-nine (81.8%) of the 85 households rely on MCWD piped water

connections. Next, fifteen (17.65%) of the households are self-supplied or are dependent on

private waterworks. Lastly, one (1.18%) of the households relies on water vendors.

The present researchers believe that the relatively high percentage of households with

MCWD piped water connection is attributed to the fact that most of the surveyed residents from

Barangay Talamban, which comprised the bulk of the sample, were groups of college students

living in dormitories or apartments. Since the study employed random sampling, there is a huge

possibility that more than one resident from the same dormitory served by MCWD was

surveyed. Hence, a redundant input may have contributed to the overall data.

However, in comparison with a similar household-level study conducted by Largo et al.

(1998), the same results show that MCWD is the main source of water supply within Metro

Cebu. Another important finding is that the percentage of households with MCWD connection

from the present research is twice the percentage obtained by Largo et al. (1998). Furthermore,

based on the results of another study conducted by JICA (2010), 42 percent of the sample

household in Cebu City are served by MCWD. Additionally, the present researchers interviewed

Engr. Astro Logarta, Manager of Production and Distribution from MCWD. He stated that

MCWD distributes water to forty percent (40%) of the total population in Cebu City (Logarta,

2019).

Nonetheless, the present research covered four barangays within Cebu City alone.

According to the Philippines Statistics Authority (2012), Cebu City has the second lowest

poverty incidence within Cebu province, following Mandaue City. In line with household

income and poverty level, Largo et al. (1998) stated that the average income of households relying

16
on MCWD (and private waterworks) is at least twice as much as most of those dependent on other

water sources. Hence, the high income level of the surveyed barangays within Cebu City attests to

the high percentage of households with MCWD connection in the present research.

Overall, the results of the present research reveal that majority of the households in Cebu

City have access to safe and accessible water. Based on the classifications set by the World

Health Organization (WHO), MCWD piped water connections and private waterworks can be

considered as improved water sources. Furthermore, the results of the present study’s first sub-

problem on the sources of water supply are aligned with the results of the survey’s first question.

Problems Encountered by MCWD Customers

Metro Cebu is primarily served by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), a

government-owned water utility. The primary task of water utilities is to distribute water of the

required quantity under adequate pressure through its system of pipes. However, problems such

as intermittent water supply, insufficient pressure and water service interruptions occur, causing

inconvenience in the daily lives of consumers. In the present research, the respondents who rely

on MCWD piped water connections were questioned whether they experience problems with

their water supply (see Appendix C). Figure 1 exhibits the problems reported by the MCWD

customers.

17
 Figure 1. Problems encountered by MCWD customers

80.00%

60.00%

Low water pressure

Percentage

Water service interruption

40.00%

Poor quality of water

Poor customer service

20.00%

Others (Specified)

0.00%
Pit-os Talamban Banilad Lahug
Barangay

For some respondents, more than one problem was reported at a time. Nevertheless, as

presented in Figure 1, majority of the respondents except those from Barangay Pit-os reported

low water pressure as the most common problem with their water supply. The second most

common problem is water service interruption wherein respondents experienced little to no water

supply at all at a certain time of the day. However, poor quality of water and poor customer

service are least experienced by the customers.

The present study demonstrates that an average of 57 percent of MCWD households

within the study area have experienced low water pressure. In a similar household-level study by

David & Inocencio (1998), 40 percent of MWSS households suffer from low water pressure.

18
Although the study by David & Inocencio (1998) was conducted in Metro Manila, its findings

resemble that of the result obtained in the present study.

The present researchers believe that low pressure is due to two factors: technical issues

faced by MCWD and the scarcity of natural resources exacerbated by the dry season. To support

this hypothesis, Engr. Logarta mentioned in the interview that a problem faced by MCWD is

cavitation which lessens the diameter of tubes used for water distribution (Logarta, 2019).

Furthermore, cavitation, as shown by the results of the study of Alsaydalani (2015), is stated as a

phenomenon in pipes that drastically affects the pressure-flow rate relationship of water.

Therefore, cavitation degrades the performance of tubes or pipes, resulting in fluctuating

discharge pressure.

On the other hand, low pressure can also be attributed to the state of the natural water

resources in Cebu. In a recent news article in 2019, MCWD was reported to impose a rationing

of water supply due to the ill-effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Although beneficial to the

scarcity of supply, water rationing has led to low water pressure to no water at all in some areas

of Cebu. Buhisan Dam is also reported to have stopped producing supply since March, 2019.

Although Buhisan Dam is reported by JICA (2010) to contribute only 5 percent of MCWD’s

water supply, its dried-up state visibly affects the total production capacity of MCWD. A study

19
by Greenpeace (2007) reinforces these claims by stating that seasonal variations often result in

water crisis in highly populated areas, especially during the dry season.

Recommendations for the Improvement of MCWD’s service

MCWD, like any other water utility, faces challenges regarding its services. Along with

the information on the problems encountered by the MCWD customers, the present researchers

solicited recommendations from the respondents for the improvement of MCWD’s service.

Figure 2 below presents the recommendations offered by the MCWD customers.

Figure 2. Recommendations for the improvement of MCWD’s service

2%

Establish a better customer

24%
service hotline
27%
Build more dams/wells

Reroute the water piping

system
Improve the water
treatment process

27% Others (Specified)

20%

Figure 2 reveals that the MCWD customers’ top recommendations are on the

improvement of the water treatment process and on building more dams and wells. Meanwhile, a

20
smaller percentage recommended the establishment of a better customer service hotline.

Interestingly, other recommendations were specified as “Online payment method” and “More

water stored”.

Based on the results, the recommendation on the improvement of MCWD’s water

treatment processes entails the customers’ discontent on their water quality. Moreover, on the

recommendation of building more dams, the present researchers attribute this to the impression

that these infrastructures are the answers to water shortage. Dams have many uses in the human

community, but they also have large impacts on the environment and inhabitants close to the

dams, which can be disastrous. In a study by David et al. (1998), it was stated that the

construction of dams may damage the ecosystem, dislocate affected population, and threaten

endangered species. In addition, Boyé & de Vivo (2016) argued that the development of dams is

controversial and that their social acceptability is a question of prime importance.

Seemingly, construction of more wells is also an optimal solution to the water crisis

given that Metro Cebu draws most of its water supply underground. However, the present

researchers believe that if this recommendation is executed poorly and irresponsibly, it may lead

to further depletion and pollution of groundwater aquifers. Various studies support this notion.

JICA (2010) reported that groundwater in Metro Cebu is now being compromised by saline

water triggered by excessive pumping. Abd-Elhamid & Javadi (2008) emphasized that

salinization of groundwater is considered a special category of pollution that threatens

groundwater resources because mixing a small quantity (2 percent) of saltwater with

21
groundwater makes freshwater unsuitable. Further, Largo et al. (1998) argued that the growing

pollution of groundwater aquifers affects not only the quality but also the quantity of water

supply (Largo et al., 1998).Although Engr. Logarta assures that MCWD strictly monitors their

water pumps (Logarta, 2019), the possibility of over pumping is a major cause to protect the

groundwater resources from depletion.

22
 Chapter 3

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The purpose of this study was to assess and investigate the nature of water supply among

four barangays within Cebu City by determining their source of water supply, the problems

encountered by those served by MCWD and their recommendations regarding the improvement

of MCWD’s service. The study utilized a quantitative method of research to identify the (1)

sources of water supply, (2) problems encountered by the MCWD customers, and (3)

recommendations to improve MCWD’s service.

Sources of Water Supply. Urban areas with the likes of Cebu City have access to

improved water sources such as piped water connections and water vendors. Among these

sources, MCWD was found to be the main source of water supply among the sample households

within the four barangays.

Problems Encountered by the MCWD Customers. Majority of the households served by

MCWD experience low water pressure. This problem is attributed to cavitation which causes the

shrinkage of pipes and consequently, on the fluctuations in water pressure. Additionally, low

water pressure is caused by water rationing imposed by MCWD as a result of water loss from the

depletion of natural resources.

Recommendations. The households served by MCWD in all four barangays

recommended building more dams and wells. However, the cons of these proposals outweigh

their benefits. In addition, the households recommended the improvement MCWD’s water

treatment processes.

23
 CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions can be made:

1. Urban areas generally have better access to freshwater. However, water access is a

separate issue from water quality. Access to an improved water source is equated to a

connection to a supply system; it does not consider the factors that are telling of water

quality such as potability, safety, adequacy and availability.

2. Even if there is access to water, its quality can be diminished due to the growing

pollution and depletion of water resources. Therefore, the state and management of

natural water resources greatly affect the service provided by public water utilities. As

surface water bodies dry up and groundwater pumping reaches a critical level, loss of

freshwater leads to a struggle in meeting the daily water distribution requirement in the

service area. Although water rationing seems to be the most optimal solution to water

deficit, it can lead to inconveniences such has having low water pressure to no water at

all.

3. Building more water infrastructures is seen as an ideal solution in the improvement of

water supply. However, building more infrastructures such as dams lead to additional

cost, loss of natural habitat, population displacement, siltation and seismic risks.

24
 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the following recommendations are

formulated:

1. Future researchers should conduct a full-scale survey regarding the sources, cost and

quality of water supply of households within the province of Cebu. The research

environment should not be restricted within the urban areas only, but also in rural areas

without access to water obtained from formal sources.

2. The engineers of MCWD should look into long-term measures to solve the water

shortage during dry season. The present researchers suggest rainwater management for

additional water supply. The climate in the Philippines can be taken advantage of by

storing and treating rainwater from the rainy season. This could easily compensate for the

loss of water from surface water bodies during the dry spell of El Niño. Additionally,

more than half of rainwater is flushed to the sea. Infrastructures that collect rainwater

especially during rainy season would be less costly than treating seawater for

desalination.

3. The government of Cebu and MCWD should formulate a better crisis-response approach

regarding the state of Buhisan Dam. Although MCWD draws most of its water supply

underground, Buhisan Dam is still a major contributor in attaining MCWD’s daily water

production requirement. While siltation is a natural phenomenon, it can be mitigated by

planting more trees near the dam which can then lessen the intrusion of small clay

particles that pollute the water. The residents near the dam whose livelihood is creating

charcoal buy cutting down trees should also be informed about the issue and should be

offered with other means of income.

25
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http://open_jicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12003653.pdf

Largo et al. (1998). Understanding Household Water Demand for Metro Cebu. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24110743_Understanding_Household_Water_
Demand_for_Metro_Cebu

26
Maurya et al. (2016). A Case Study on Water Supply Access and Demand Using Descriptive

Statistical Methods. Retrieved from

http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/html/10.11648.j.ajbes.20160202.11.html

Novak, J. (2005). Cavitation and Bubble Formation in Water Distribution Systems. Virginia

Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia. Retrieved from

https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/42435/Thesis.pdf?sequence=1

Philippine Statistic Authority (2016). 2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates.

Retrieved from
https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2012%20Municipal%20and%20City%20Level%20P
overty%20Estimates%20Publication%20%281%29.pdf

Van Engelen, H. (2003). Water supply in Cebu Philippines: A case study. Retrieved from

http://www.nast.ph/images/pdf%20files/Publications/NAST%20Transactions/NAST%20
2003%20Transactions%20Volume%2025%20Issue%20No.%202/18.%20Water%20Sup
ply%20in%20Cebu%20Philippines.%20A%20Case%20Study%20%20%20%20Herman
%20van%20Engelen,%20SVD%202003%202.pdf

27
 APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Sample Coding Sheet

RESPONDENTS TOTAL

Brgy. Pit- Brgy. Brgy.

Brgy. Lahug
os Talamban Banilad
/////-/////-/////- /////-/////-/////-
Barangay /////-/ /////-/////-/////- /////-/// /////-/////-/////- 85
// /////-////
What is/are your main
source(s) for water
consumption?
/////-/////-/////- /////-/// /////-/////-/////-
MCWD // 69
/////-/// /////-/////-/////-/
Self-supplied/Private ////
//// /////-// 15
waterworks
Public faucet
Water vendors / 1
Do you experience problems
with MCWD’s water supply
system?
/////-/////-/////- /////-//
Yes // /////-/////-/////-/// 44
//
No /////-/////-/ / /////-/////-/// 25
If YES, please check the
problem/s that you have
encountered.
Low water pressure / /////-/////-///// /////-// /////-/////-/////-/ 39
Water service interruption // /////-///// ///// ///// 22
Poor quality of water / /// 4
Poor customer service / // 3
Others (Specified)
What are your
recommendations to MCWD to
improve their service?
Establish a better customer /// /////
/ /////-//// 18
service hotline
Build more dams/wells // //// //// /////-///// 20
Reroute the water piping // /////-/
/ /////-/ 15
system
Improve the water treatment /////-//// ///
// /////-/ 20
process
Others (Specified) // 2

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 APPENDIX B
Questionnaire
Dear Respondent,

We are BS Civil Engineering students from the University of San Carlos currently working on a case
study entitled “Siltation management to increase water supply in Buhisan Dam”.

To ensure the quality of this survey, we would like to ask a few minutes of your time to answer
this questionnaire for us to gather data for our study. We assure you that the information obtained shall be
treated with utmost confidentiality and shall be strictly used for research purposes only. Thank you.

Nicholle Grace Ceniza

Instruction: Please put a check mark on the Please check the problem/s that you have
space provided before each item that encountered.
corresponds to your answer.
______Low water pressure
Name(optional):__________________________
______Water service interruption (no
Barangay (required): _____________________ water)

______Poor quality of water (e.g. water

1. What is your main source for water
consumption?
______ MCWD
______Self-supplied/Private waterworks
______Public faucet
______Water vendors
Please proceed to the next questions
ONLY if you have checked “MCWD”
2. Do you experience problems with
MCWD’s water supply system?
contains particles, water has unusual
color/taste/odor)
______Poor customer service
______Others
Please specify.
________________________
3. What are your recommendations to
MCWD to improve their service?
______ Establish a better customer
service hotline
______Build more dams/wells/etc

______Yes ______Reroute the water piping system

______No ______Improve the water treatment
process
Please proceed to the next questions
ONLY if you have checked “Yes” ______Others
Please specify.
__________________________
__________________________

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 APPENDIX C

Survey Question No. 2

Based on the Question 1 from the survey, the respondents who stated MCWD as their

source of water supply were questioned on whether they experience problems with their water

supply system. Figure 1 below illustrates the results of Question 2.

Figure 1. Survey question #2 for all four barangays

Do you experience problems with MCWD’s water

supply system?

36%
Yes

No
64%

Figure 1 shows that among the sixty-nine (69) respondents with MCWD connections,

more than half (64%) reported to have experienced problems with their water supply system.

This is almost twice the percentage (36%) of those who don’t experience problems at all.

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 APPENDIX D

Interview Questions

1. What is the process of the water treatment before consumption?

2. What are the problems encountered by MCWD regarding its distribution system?

3. In your own opinion as an engineer, was siltation considered in the design of Buhisan

dam?

4. In the past, was there a method used to record its siltation rate (e.g. Bathymetric

survey)?

5. In the past, what techniques were done to manage the siltation?

6. When was the last desilting operation?

7. In your own opinion, should MCWD still depend on the dam 5 years from now?

31
 APPENDIX E

Sample MCWD Interview Tapescript

Interviewer: In your own opinion as an engineer, was siltation considered in the design of the
dam?

Interviewee: Yes, but not regularly observed. Siltation is caused by the flow of water from the
top and rain. Rain water always have impurities. But in this current time, Buhisan Dam depends
heavily on rain water. Water from the forest has a lot of impurities due to deforestation.
Deforestation is the main problem of the dam’s water capacity. Water flows from the heavy
vegetation above the dam and it purifies the water thus lessening the siltation once it reaches the
dam. People from the dam’s vicinity relies on charcoal production thus cutting down more trees
from the forest to suffice their needs.
Interviewer: In the past, was there a method to record it siltation rate?
Interviewee: Yes, topographic survey, percentage of the level of the silt. Desiltation is done
every summer when there is zero water supply. There are 3 main stages of water filtration before
consumption. First the water goes through a Rapid Sand Filter where the water is filtered to get
rid of bigger silts. Next is Slow Sand Filter where the water from the first stage goes through for
partially purifying the water and getting rid of the smaller impurities. The last is chlorination and
then the water is ready for distribution.
Interviewer: When was the last desilting operation?
Interviewee: Desilting operation is still ongoing. Desiltation is done every summer when there is
no water in the dam. Desiltation is done by hand and manual labor. It would be very easy if we
can bring heavy equipment on the dam’s vicinity but due to the dam’s location and geography, it
is impossible to the heavy equipment, so we resorted to manual labor. We hired people to get rid
of the sand and is paid by the number of sack of silt, a sack of silt is paid for 10 pesos or 10
pesos per sack of silt and the silt is brought away from the vicinity of the dam to avoid the silt
from going back to the dam.
Interviewer: In your own opinion, should MCWD still depend on the dam 5 years from now?

Interviewee: Yes, just to maintain the 10,000 cubic meters of water per day. 10,000 cubic
meters per day of water is equivalent to 10,000 households per day. Every household consumes 1
cubic meter /day by conservative approximation. 1 cubic meter is equal to 5 drums and every
drum contains 200 liters so it takes 150 liters per capita.

32
 APPENDIX F

Permission Letter

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS

School of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering

April 15, 2019

Engr. Astro Logarta

Manager of Production and Distribution
Metropolitan Cebu Water District
Magallanes - Lapu-Lapu Sts., Cebu City 6000

Dear Mr. Logarta:

We are Civil Engineering students, currently enrolled in English 23G (Technical Writing) for the
second semester of academic year 2018. The undergraduate thesis we are working on is entitled
“Water supply in Residential Areas within Cebu City”.

In line with this, we would like to humbly request your office to allow us to conduct an interview
regarding MCWD and its water sources. This way, in our study, we can nature of the water supply
within Cebu City. We firmly believe that your expertise in this field will be of high value in ensuring
the credibility of the results of our study. The results of our study can then be a reference that
could contribute vital information to your office. Attached is a copy of the interview questions.

Should you have questions, you may reach us at ngdceniza@gmail.com or (+63) 956 599 1720.

Your favorable response will be highly appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Francis S. Tecling
Researcher

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