City execs seek moratorium on water extraction permit

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – Water is dwindling in this summer capital alarming officials and residents with water drillers and extractors blamed as culprits aside from rapid dwindling and cutting of trees for development and subdivision projects. 

A proposed resolution authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. seeks to declare a moratorium on the issuance of water permits to water drillers, sources and extractors in this mountain resort.

This after the Baguio Water district revealed water sources, extractors and drillers need not apply for a local water permit if they have permits from the National Water Resources Board.

Yangot said, “the city’s Water Code specifically provides that any person who drill and utilize subterranean water within the city and draw out water for domestic and institutional purpose should first secure a water permit clearance from the Office of the City Mayor.”

“Despite the existence of such ordinance, many water sourcing, extracting and drilling activities within the city is being done without the necessary water permit from the City Government in blatant violation of local laws, he said.

              Yangot said, “this rampant water extracting and drilling activities not sanctioned by the city adversely affects the city’s goal in providing adequate water supply to its residents.”

“There is a dire need to request the NWRB to declare a moratorium in the issuance of water permits to water sourcers, extractors and drillers in the city,” he said.

Meantime, a similar resolution was also proposed by Councilor Fred Bagbagen for the local government and the BWD to regulate ground water extraction to protect the city’s slowly depleting water source.

BWD General Manager Salvador Royeca said, “the BWD does not have control over water permits to applicants specially on deep wells issued by the NWRB.”

Royeca however suggested the installation of water production meters to regulate private deep wells and the imposition of production assessment charges to private well owners.

“There should be the installation of water production meters through the issuance of business permits so that we can have control over them, “ Royeca said.

He said, “the BWD is willing to assist the city government in the construction of production meters and collection of charges qwhich will be remitted to the City Treasury.”

Prior to the issuance of a business permit, private commercial wells, water delivery and water refilling stations who has secured clearance from the NWRB should also secure clearance from the BWD in order that production meters can be installed.  

The measure is a welcome development for the city as it answers the regulation of water extraction and adds revenue for the city government.