Most of the served households—about 87 per cent—already have access to portable or sanitary water. Of this number, about 42 per cent are served by Level I water systems (jetmatic/pitcher pumps, artesian wells, and improved springs). Almost 24 per cent have access to Level II facilities ( ). About 24 per cent enjoy piped-in water (Level III). Only a small percentage gets its water from open-dug wells, springs, and other doubtful sources.
At least six areas in the province have attained more than 95 per cent access to potable water. They include Dumaguete City (100%), Bacong (98.9%), Amlan (98.3%), San Jose (96.1%), Sibulan (95.3%), and Tanjay City (95.30%).
Water rates vary according to location. In Dumaguete City, the rates depend on the type of consumer, starting with a flat rate of P92.00 minimum per month for residential consumers and P184.00 minimum per month for commercial/industrial establishments. The cost per cubic meter of water increases as water consumption increases, in short the higher the quantity consumed, the higher the cost per cubic meter.
To ensure the widespread availability of safe drinking water, the Provincial Government +continues to fund various water supply projects with its 20% Economic Development Fund (EDF). The projects are undertaken by the Provincial Waterworks Task Force (PWTF).