Public health concerns were raised during the Baguio City Council’s session on June 22, 2026 after questions emerged on whether illegal water delivery operations in Baguio undergo regular water quality testing.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda raised the issue, asking if these unauthorized water delivery activities are subjected to safety checks to ensure consumer protection.
In response, Owen Dagdagen of the Baguio District Water Delivery Association (BDWDA) confirmed that illegal operators are not covered by regular water quality testing. She added that while legitimate well management companies require delivery trucks to present official permits before drawing water, some unauthorized operators bypass these requirements, raising concerns over the source and safety of the water being distributed.
Data showed during the session it was revealed that the systemic root of the issue lies in a massive network of unpermitted deep wells across the city. Out of more than 500 estimated deep wells operating in Baguio, only 20 have been officially issued the necessary permits by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).
“‘Yung isang source kasi, hindi ka pwedeng basta basta kung saan sumasalok. Kailangan ang isang source meron kayong list ng mga talagang sumasalok sa inyo for monitoring, kaya ‘yung mga sources natin strict sila. Kung wala kang permit, hindi ka pwedeng sumalok. ‘Yung mga walang permit, kung saan-saan ‘yan sasalok,” Dagdagen said.
Corroborating this data, Engr. Fernando A. Peria of the Baguio Water District (BWD) disclosed that during the inspections conducted by NWRB personnel from October to November 2023, a staggering 90% of the more than 200 deep wells inspected failed compliance metrics, with only 10% possessing valid distribution permits.
The local government has been fighting the proliferation of these unregulated water sources to protect the community.
“Four years ago, we communicated with NWRB to address one of our biggest challenges, which is the illegal deep wells,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized last 2023.
To seal enforcement gaps and eliminate the avenues allowing rogue suppliers to skip safety inspections, the City Council is currently evaluating both regulatory and incentive-based legislative measures.
During the floor deliberations, Councilor Van Oliver Dicang raised the possibility of leveraging Ordinance 41-2007 to establish a tighter regulatory framework specifically targeting private water delivery enterprises.
Concurrently, Councilor Tabanda introduced a proposed ordinance that shall exempt compliant, registered water delivery trucks from the city’s vehicle number-coding scheme. The exemption aims to serve as an operational incentive for illegal operators to legitimize their businesses and willingly submit to routine health and safety screenings.
In light of these disclosures, the City Council is reviewing stricter enforcement measures to identify illegal delivery trucks and close the gaps that allow unregulated suppliers to skip safety checks. The local government emphasizes that keeping public health the most important goal, local offices are working together to make sure all water sold in the city is clean and safe. – Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod
