Metro Cebu water bills to rise 10% in April 2026 amid financial crisis
Water bills in Metro Cebu will rise by 10 percent from April 1, 2026. The increase follows approval from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to help the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) tackle its growing budget deficit. Households can expect to pay around P23 more each month as a result. MCWD currently faces serious financial strain, losing roughly P6 million daily. The losses stem from non-revenue water, including illegal connections and leaks. To cut costs, the district plans to revive its own deep wells and blend cheaper groundwater, reducing reliance on expensive private suppliers.
At present, MCWD buys bulk water from private companies at rates up to P73 per cubic meter. Exact details about these suppliers remain undisclosed, as no public records list their names or numbers. The district now aims for financial stability by 2026 through infrastructure repairs and installing digital meters. Under the new pricing, the minimum charge for a standard residential connection will be P259.16. Higher rates per cubic meter will also apply to customers using more water, encouraging conservation.
The price adjustment takes effect on April 1, 2026, with the LWUA backing the move to secure MCWD's operations. Residents will pay more, but the district expects long-term savings from reduced water loss and cheaper supply sources. The changes form part of a broader plan to stabilise finances by the end of 2026.
