Supporting Cagayan de Oro City Reduce its Non-Revenue Water (NRW)

This expansion poses significant challenges to the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD), which is struggling to meet the increasing demand for water. The current water service is limited to a few hours a day for most subscribers, resulting in a significant impact on the daily lives of the city's residents. One major issue affecting COWD is its high level of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which is estimated to be over 53 percent or approximately 80,000 cubic meters of water lost every day. NRW is typically caused by an aging or leaking system, as well as theft from the system. Climate change projections indicate a decrease in overall future rainfall, prompting COWD to take action to reduce NRW and increase its water supply. By addressing this problem, COWD can utilize the saved water to improve services for its customers and potentially expand to serve other areas lacking a water connection. The USAID Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project is providing technical expertise to COWD to address the NRW issue. The project's objectives include developing a Geographic Information System (GIS) database, creating a hydraulic model of the network within the COWD service area, delineating and implementing district meter areas (DMA), developing standard operating procedures for NRW management, and training COWD personnel in the management, maintenance, and analysis of information in the GIS database, hydraulic model, and NRW management. The USAID Be Secure Project is utilizing a tri-partite support system, which includes providing expert technical expertise, funding GIS support from the Coca-Cola Foundation, and implementing the program through a grant from the Philippine Government. This collaborative approach aims to create a sustainable and efficient water supply system in Cagayan de Oro City, ultimately benefiting 400,000 people by increasing COWD's water supply service to 24 hours per day. The project's focus on reducing NRW is critical to improving the overall water security in Cagayan de Oro City. By addressing this issue, COWD can improve its services, expand its coverage, and contribute to the city's economic growth and stability. The USAID Be Secure Project's technical assistance and support will play a crucial role in helping COWD achieve its goals and provide a reliable and efficient water supply to its customers.