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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Bacolod City Council alarmed over contaminated water

Bacolod City Council alarmed over contaminated water

Published Aug 7, 2025 11:34 pm
DARK, foul-smelling, and potentially contaminated water flowing from household faucets in several barangays in Bacolod City. (Councilor Caesar Distrito)
DARK, foul-smelling, and potentially contaminated water flowing from household faucets in several barangays in Bacolod City. (Councilor Caesar Distrito)
BACOLOD CITY – The city council has called on the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA)-PrimeWater to swiftly address mounting complaints from residents about dark, foul-smelling, and potentially contaminated water flowing from household faucets.
A resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito was unanimously approved during the council’s regular session on Wednesday, Aug. 6, following a recent surge of grievances from residents in Barangays Taculing, Singcang Airport, Sum-ag, Mansilingan, Banago, Cabug, Pahanocoy, Tangub, Alijis, Bata, and nearly all numbered barangays.
Residents reported that water in recent days was discolored and has unpleasant smell, raising serious concerns about its safety for daily use and consumption.
“This is no longer just a service issue—it has escalated into a public health concern,” Distrito said.
The council requested BACIWA-PrimeWater to immediately issue a public explanation detailing the cause of the water quality issues, the affected areas, measures taken to ensure safety, and their long-term plans to resolve what they described as a “perennial” problem.
“Our people deserve safe, clean, and potable water,” Distrito said, adding that the lack of clear communication and accountability from the water services provider is simply unacceptable.
In a show of unity and urgency, the City Council—led by Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Puentevella—agreed to personally deliver the resolution to the water utility firm, a suggestion made by Councilor Homer Bais.
“We are united in this effort because we are echoing the voices of our constituents,” Puentevella said.
“By delivering the resolution ourselves, we’re showing that the City Council stands with the people. These are not just signatures on paper—they represent the people of Bacolod who have suffered long enough,” he added.
The resolution demanded a comprehensive public report identifying the source of the contamination, barangays and households affected, immediate actions taken to protect public health, and the long-term solutions being implemented to prevent recurrence.
The resolution is expected to be served within this week.
“This is not about politics,” Distrito said. “This is about public welfare and dignity. If BACIWA-PrimeWater continues to ignore the concerns of the people, we will not be silent,” Distrito added.
He said that they will persist until Bacolodnons get the quality of water service they rightfully deserve.
PrimeWater, a company under the Villar Group, assumed control of BACIWA’s operations in November 2020 through a 25-year joint venture agreement.
The firm pledged a P1.6-billion investment within the first five years to enhance this city’s water supply system.

Related Tags

Bacolod City Baciwa-PrimeWater Councilor Caesar Distrito Contaminated water Dirty water
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