The project involves extracting water from the easternmost part of Laguna Lake, the largest inland body of water in the Philippines, to sustain water necessities and prevent water shortages. The growing population resulting in increasing water demand and the lack of new water sources coming online have pushed the government to hasten the implementation of various infrastructure projects related to water security. Home to 12 million people, Metro Manila still currently gets 97 percent of its water needs from the 54-year old Angat Dam.

The EPC contract includes the complete design and construction of a WTP which has a 50 MLD (million liters per day) capacity, an intake facility, an 8 ML reservoir, and the installation of pumps and its controls. Works also include the construction of an administration and laboratory building, civil works for access and security, and site development.

First Agua is the consortium between Filipino engineering and construction company First Balfour and Spanish company Tedagua (Técnicas de Desalinización de Aguas, S.A.), a world leader in the water treatment sector.