The World’s First Solar-Powered Pre-paid Municipal Water Supply Project
Barangay Butong, Ronda, Cebu, Philippines

WorldWater has installed the world’s first solar powered, pre-paid municipal water distribution system in Ronda, Cebu, The Philippines. The AquaMeter™ system allows the community to offer low-cost, clean, reliable drinking water to residents who pay for water via the AquaCard™, a debit card similar to a prepaid phone card.

The project is a collaboration of the Municipal Government of Ronda and WorldWater (Phils.), and is financed by the Philippine National Bank. The initial investment for capital costs is recovered from revenues through the sale of water. This project financing package involved no special grants or subsidies. As such, it is a first of its kind model for creating a cost-effective, sustainable, and safe rural water supply in remote sites.

Left: Former President Fidel V. Ramos of the Philippines (center), members of his cabinet, and Quentin T. Kelly, Chairman and former CEO of WorldWater & Solar Technologies, Corp. (far left), at the site of the WorldWater & Power AquaSafe™ solar water pump in Luzon, the Philippines. Right: Quentin T. Kelly, Chairman and former CEO of WorldWater & Solar Technologies, Corp., formalizes nationwide water and power development agreement as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo looks on.