Upper Wawa Dam: A Game-Changer for Water Supply and Flood Control in Rizal.
- CHLP REALTY
- Oct 2
- 5 min read
What Is the Upper Wawa Dam Project?
The Upper Wawa Dam in San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal is a flagship infrastructure under the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, a partnership between the government and private developers.
Targeted for completion around 2025, it is designed to deliver two vital solutions: reliable water supply for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and improved flood management for communities long affected by typhoons and heavy rainfall.
This development is part of the Philippines’ push to meet rising demands for basic utilities while also protecting highly urbanized areas like Marikina, Pasig, Cainta, and Quezon City from recurring flood threats.
Understanding the Importance of Upper Wawa Dam.
The Upper Wawa Dam in San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the province.
As part of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, this dam is designed to provide long-term solutions for both water supply and flood management in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
With completion slated around 2025, it is set to change the landscape of Rizal’s development and boost investor confidence in the area.
The Upper Wawa Dam is a "game-changer" for Rizal by providing a crucial second water source for Metro Manila, mitigating flood risks in downstream areas, and fostering climate resilience by reducing drought effects.
As part of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, it will support 2.2 to 3.5 million Filipinos and helps protect the Marikina River basin by controlling water flow.
The dam's successful and timely completion, a year ahead of schedule, makes it the biggest water source built in the Philippines in over 50 years, next to the Angat Dam.
Key Benefits of Upper Wawa Dam.
Increased Water Supply:
The dam provides a significant new water source, addressing water scarcity in Metro Manila and the Rizal province.
Flood Mitigation:
It reduces flood risks in downstream areas of the Marikina River by holding back water volume, a benefit that was observed during a past typhoon.
Climate Resilience:
The dam helps communities prepare for droughts by providing a reliable water supply and protects against excessive rainfall by reducing flood impact.
Water Security:
It contributes to water security by providing a stable and reliable source of clean water for millions of Filipinos.
Key Features of Upper Wawa Dam.
Major Infrastructure:
The dam is the largest water supply dam built in over 50 years in the Philippines.
Water Source Project:
It is a major part of the two-phase Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project (WBWSP), aiming to resolve water shortages in the greater Metro Manila area.
Completed Ahead of Schedule:
The dam's construction was completed a year ahead of schedule, a monumental achievement.
Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC):
The dam is an 85-meter-high and 438.5-meter-long roller-compacted concrete dam.
Project Partners of Upper Wawa Dam.
WawaJVCo:
The developer and operator of the dam.
Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. and San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group:
The government and private partners behind the project.
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS):
The government agency overseeing the dam and the bulk water supply project.
How the Upper Wawa Dam Strengthens Water Security?
Water demand in Metro Manila grows by the year as the population and economic activity expand.
The Upper Wawa Dam is expected to supply 518 million liters of water per day when fully operational.
This will supplement existing sources like Angat Dam and La Mesa Dam, reducing the risk of shortages during the summer months and dry spells.
For households and businesses in Rizal and Metro Manila, this means:
Consistent access to clean water for daily living.
Support for industries and future developments dependent on water supply.
Stronger urban resilience, especially during climate change–induced dry seasons.
The dam is not just about storage — it is a strategic investment in ensuring long-term water sustainability for millions of Filipinos.
Upper Wawa Dam and Flood Risk Reduction
Flooding has been one of the biggest challenges in Rizal and eastern Metro Manila. Typhoons often overflow the Marikina River system, affecting thousands of families in Marikina, Cainta, Taytay, and Pasig.
The Upper Wawa Dam is engineered to:
Regulate water flow from the Wawa River basin, releasing excess water gradually instead of overwhelming downstream areas.
Reduce flood height and volume in low-lying areas.
Provide protection to residential communities and commercial establishments vulnerable to seasonal flooding.
By mitigating flood risks, the dam will help safeguard both lives and properties, improving the overall safety profile of Rizal province and neighboring cities.
Economic and Community Benefits of the Upper Wawa Dam.
Job Creation and Local Opportunities.
Construction and operations of the Upper Wawa Dam create thousands of jobs, from engineering and construction to support services.
Once operational, it will need constant maintenance, monitoring, and community support. This boosts local employment in Rodriguez, Rizal and surrounding municipalities.
Stimulating Business and Real Estate Development.
A reliable water supply and improved flood safety are strong magnets for investors.
Developers are more likely to build residential subdivisions, commercial centers, and industrial facilities in areas where utilities and risk management are secured.
In particular, towns like San Mateo, Rodriguez, Antipolo, Cainta, and Taytay are poised to see stronger real estate growth as the Upper Wawa Dam nears completion.
Looking Ahead: Upper Wawa Dam Beyond 2025
The Upper Wawa Dam is nearing its scheduled commercial operations, expected by the end of 2025.
As of September 26, 2025, the water level was 132.58 masl, which is below the 135.00 masl spilling level.
Testing and commissioning activities were ongoing in August 2025, requiring public caution due to expected increased water flow.
Key Updates:
Water Level (as of September 26, 2025):
132.58 masl (meters above sea level), below the spilling level of 135.00 masl.
Commercial Operations:
On track to begin by the end of 2025.
Testing & Commissioning:
Activities took place in August 2025, with a warning for the public to be cautious of increased water flow.
Ownership:
Manila Water completed its buyout of WawaJVCo in October 2025, taking over operations of the Upper Wawa Dam.
Project Significance:
The dam is the largest water supply dam built in over 50 years, aimed at improving water security for the Metro Manila area.
The Upper Wawa Dam is more than just a water and flood control structure.
It is a symbol of how Rizal province is transitioning into a more resilient, sustainable, and investment-ready community.
By 2025 and beyond, the dam will:
Secure water supply for millions in Metro Manila and Rizal.
Reduce flooding, saving lives and properties.
Boost investor confidence in Rizal as a prime location for residential and commercial projects.
Encourage eco-friendly growth, balancing development with disaster resilience.
Why the Upper Wawa Dam Matters?
The Upper Wawa Dam stands as one of Rizal’s most critical infrastructure projects for the coming years.
By addressing both water security and flood management, it safeguards communities, supports economic development, and strengthens the case for real estate investment in Rizal.
For families seeking a safe place to settle, and for investors looking to grow their portfolio, the completion of the Upper Wawa Dam marks a turning point for the province — turning risk into opportunity, and challenges into growth.
Comments