Philippines' water crisis deepens as demand outpaces supply in all districts
The Philippines faces growing water shortages despite having enough annual water resources. A new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) shows that demand now exceeds supply in all 532 water districts. While 87.7% of the population can access safe water, fewer than half of households receive piped water connections at home.
The country has around 226 billion cubic meters of water available each year. However, 83% to 85% of this goes to agriculture, leaving limited water supplies for households. Groundwater extraction has surged by an average of 3.8% annually from 2014 to 2023, raising concerns over sustainability.
Overdependence on aquifers has led to serious issues. These include saline intrusion, land subsidence, falling water tables, and worsening water quality. Luzon suffers the largest water gaps, but shortages also affect the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
Water governance remains fragmented, with about 30 public agencies sharing responsibilities. This division complicates efforts to address water shortages. Since 2019, the average annual water deficit has reached 3.6 million cubic meters. Yet by 2026, only 47 of the 532 water districts will have implemented lasting solutions.
The study highlights another pressing issue: 332 municipalities still lack reliable water supplies. More than half of their residents struggle with water access. To tackle these challenges, researchers recommend integrated planning, stronger monitoring, and better support for water service providers.
The PIDS report confirms persistent water deficits across the Philippines. Without improved governance and sustainable water practices, shortages will likely worsen. The findings call for urgent action to secure the country's water future.
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