Mayor warns water firms with unlicensed sources in Baguio

City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has warned water delivery companies in the Summer Capital against drawing their water from unlicensed deep wells and other water sources that may be serving unsafe water to their customers.

“If you care about the wellbeing of your customers and the reputation of your business, you will not take the risk of drawing water from sources that have no permit and thus are supplying water with dubious quality,” said Mayor Magalong.

“But if you will still patronize these colorum sources just to meet your quota without regard for your credibility, then we will be compelled to cancel your business permits,” warned Magalong.

The mayor also ordered the publication of the list of legitimate water sources for public awareness. The list is currently being finalized.

In a meeting last January 22, the Baguio Association of Purified and Mineral Water Refillers Inc. committed to the city government to make it a requirement for its members to draw water only from licensed deep well and bulk water sources.

Magalong earlier issued a call for unlicensed deep well and other water delivery services businesses to legalize their operations by obtaining business permits and complying with sanitary requirements to ensure the safety of their commodity.

In the two consultations conducted on January 20 and 22, the mayor sought the help of licensed bulk water suppliers and the association of purified water refilling in convincing the unlicensed entities to legitimize their operations.

The mayor said legalizing these commercial deep wells and delivery trucks engaged in water delivery services will be for the benefit of all — for the owners to freely undertake their businesses without fearing sanctions, for the city government to ensure that regulations are in place to safeguard the health of the public and lastly for the customers like the refilling stations that draw water from these sources to be able to protect their businesses.