The Feasibility Study was prepared by Engineering and Development Corporation of the Philippines (EDCOP). The water quality and quantity study, one of the major components of the report, was prepared by the Water Center of the University of San Carlos (USC). USC scientists and laboratory technicians monitored over a one year period the rainfall levels, rate of evaporation, contamination periods and all the other key parameters in determining the optimum delivery capacity and quality fluctuations of the proposed water supply from the 200 hectare Atlas dam. Records of the past 50 years were used as reference to extrapolate water supply levels that may be experienced by the project in the next 30 years.
Delivery of raw water to Metro Cebu from the Atlas dam will be made possible through a 12.3 kilometers gravity tunnel. This system will make sure that the operating cost of the raw water delivery system will not be affected even if the price of power increases over the life of the proposed bulk water supply contract
The proposed improvement in the water distribution system of MCWD is expected to recover some P450 million lost revenue yearly due to leaks and pilferage in the system. Severe shortage and high prices encourage the theft of water; thus, by making a large volume of water widely available to satisfy the need for water will result in lower and affordable water price.