The original waterworks system of Sorsogon was constructed in 1927 and supplied by a series of springs which were developed between 1929 and 1957. Additional main distribution lines were constructed to reinforce the original main distribution lines. Spring water is conveyed through the 150mm diameter transmission line to a break pressure (BP) chamber which is then is divided into the two chambers - one supplying Barangay Pangpang while the other going to Barangay Bibincahan. Spring water that goes to Barangay Pangpang is stored in a 900-cubic meter(cu m) trapezoidal ground concrete reservoir while the water supply that goes to Barangay Bibincahan is stored at the 1,800 cu m Baribag Reservoir. Both are treated through chlorination before being supplied to concessionaires. As of 2017, SCWD has three types of water sources: springs, groundwater and surface water.

Submersible pumps and motors are operated with motor control such as variable frequency drives (VFD) or reduce voltage auto-transformer (RVAT) for every pumping station. Main power is sourced from Sorsogon II Electric Cooperative (SORECO II) while standby generator sets are available during power service interruptions.

Bulk water supply from Abejo Waters Corp. utilizing surface water from Cawayan River in Brgy. Guinlajon became available in March 2015 and delivers 3,000 cu m per day in the West District while bulk water from Casiguran Water District utilizing Orok Spring in Brgy. Inlagadian, Casiguran started supplying at least 500 cu m per day in Brgys. Abuyog, Buhatan and Cabid-an since November 2016.

SCWD has a minimum of 18 hours of water service in the system and maintains a minimum pressure of of 10 pounds per square inches (psi) at consumer’s tap. Several barangays are also experiencing 24 hours service due to their lower elevation.

The water district is adhering to the water quality standard set by the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW). Chlorine residual is monitored at the source and at the service area. One water sample for every 5,000 population served is taken for bacteriological test once a month while physical and chemical analysis for all water sources is done annually.

The water supply coming from spring sources is treated with chlorine solution either by drip type method or a hypochlorinator while water supply from deepwell sources are chlorinated with the use of hypochlorinator before distribution.

The system transmission and distribution mains consist of pipes of different materials (PVC, steel, GI, CI and HDPE) with sizes ranging from 32mm to 300mm (1-1/2” to 12”) in diameter. Air release valves are installed along distribution line to release air trapped while fire hydrants are installed in strategic locations for fire suppression. As of April 2017, total pipe length is approximately 160 kilometers while individual service connections have reached 11,869.

SCWD’s water system covers the barangays of Basud, Guinlajon, Pamurayan, Gimaloto, Peñafrancia, Barayong, Pangpang, Macabog, Tugos, Piot, Cambulaga, Bitan-o/ Dalipay, and Talisay in the West District. In the East District, it serves Abuyog, Burabod, Salog, Buhatan, Cabid-an, Bibincahan, Almendras-Cogon, Balogo, San Juan, Sampaloc. Sirangan, Sulucan and Polvorista. Six barangays are now covered by SCWD in the Bacon District. These are San Roque, Balete, Poblacion, Caricaran, Bogña and San Pascual.