Reliable Water Helps Davao Businesses Save Money and Grow, Ateneo Study Finds

The study, "Lived Experiences of Water Consumers in District 2 of Davao City Before and After the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project," documented how households and microenterprises in District 2 experienced significant improvements in water quality, supply reliability, and overall service delivery after the project became operational.

“The [Davao City] Bulk Water Supply Project has not only simplified household chores and reduced expenses for residents but has also significantly improved the economic environment for businesses,” the study read. 

Conducted by the Ateneo de Davao University Center for Business Research and Extension, the study examined the daily experiences of water consumers in District 2 before and after the project's implementation.

Among the businesses featured in the research was a small eatery in Barangay Indangan that experienced a notable improvement in its day-to-day operations after gaining access to a more dependable water supply.

The business previously experienced unexpected water interruptions that affected their business operations but to continue serving customers, the owner had to transport water from other sources using service vehicles, adding time, effort, and operating expenses.

 Today, the owner shared that water pressure and flow have become stronger and more consistent. The improved reliability has helped them streamline daily operations, allowing the business to prepare food more efficiently and provide better service to customers.

"Sauna tung magpa-awas pa mi ug 30 minutes bago magamitang tubig, dako gyud among bill. Sacrifice lang gyud kay diliman pud pwede nga dili namo i-drain, kung matin-aw na sakapa namo gamiton. Dako gyud ug consume sa tubig sauna, musaka ug ₱4,000 kada bulan diri ra sa carinderia. Consider na lang namo kay kada adlaw man pud namo gamiton. Karon among bill kay average ₱2,400 na lang ang bayrunon."

(Before, we had to let the water run for around 30 minutes before we could use it because it wasn't yet clear. It significantly increased our water bill, but we had no choice. Our monthly bill used to reach around ₱4,000. Now, our average monthly bill is only about ₱2,400.) 

Researchers Dr. Cleofe A. Arib, Mr. Leopoldo D. Medina, and Dr. Lenore A. Loqueloque noted that the improvements in water service helped support business continuity while allowing entrepreneurs to focus on expanding their operations instead of managing water-related challenges. 

The study also found that these benefits were not unique to food businesses – similar improvements were reported by other microenterprises.

A water refilling station in Barangay Cabantian reported significantly lower maintenance expenses after improved raw water quality reduced the frequency of filter replacement from once every week to only once a month. Reliable water supply enabled the business to increase production and better meet customer demand.

"Karon so far okay na jud siya. Ang flow sa water, wala najud naga-interrupt, diretso-diretso na jud. Dili na parehas datinga mag-apas mi aron mapuno among tangke. Karon kampante nami nga anytime mag-refill mi, naa gyuy tubig. Okay kaayo ang supply. Nonstop na ang supply."

("Now, everything has been going well. The water flow is strong, and there are no more interruptions – it runs continuously. Unlike before, we no longer have to rush to fill our tanks whenever the water returns. We're now confident that whenever we need to refill, there's always water available. The supply has been very reliable and continuous.") 

The owner also observed a noticeable improvement in water quality. Clearer water has reduced the need for frequent filter replacement, helping lower maintenance costs while allowing the business to maximize the use of its filtration system.

"Dako kaayo siya'g bag-o. Clear ra gyud kaayo siya. Karon malimit na namo ang pag-ilis sa among filter tungod kay limpyo na ang tubig."

("The improvement has been significant. The water is much clearer now. Because of its better quality, we no longer have to replace our filters as often, which has helped us manage our maintenance costs.") 

These experiences demonstrate how reliable water access extends beyond household convenience and contributes to local economic development by helping businesses operate more efficiently and serve their communities more effectively. 

The improvements stem from the DCBWSP, a partnership between the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., and the country's largest private bulk water facilities. Through the project, Apo Agua produces and treats bulk water sourced from the Tamugan River and delivers it to DCWD, which then distributes the water to households and businesses across Davao City, strengthening the city's water security while supporting its growing population and economy.  City& Local Guides

Beyond improving water security, the Ateneo study also suggests that dependable access to clean water can help strengthen microenterprises, improve livelihoods, and create new economic opportunities within communities.

As Davao City continues to grow, investments in reliable water infrastructure remain essential in supporting families, empowering entrepreneurs, and sustaining the city's long-term economic development.  (PR)