Pact to be signed to protect water source

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government is set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) for the preservation and maintenance of groundwater resources at the height of diminishing groundwater supplies.

In the draft MOA, the three parties agree that there shall be an improved management of the groundwater resources given the condition of groundwater resource in the city.

In a study conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency, it was anticipated that ground water resource could not supply the increasing demand for water in the future, thus, the need to develop surface water sources like dams.

Currently, the city’s main source of water is groundwater, in fact, 35 percent of MCWD’s capacity relies on groundwater extraction. The three parties agreed to protect the groundwater resource by guarding it against exploitation by illegal well operators.

Each party will have an obligation in the preservation of groundwater resource.

For its part, the Cebu City Government will make the water rights or permits issued by the NWRB a requirement in the application for business permits, either new or renewal, of well drillers and small scale water provider in the city.

The mayor shall also make administrative issuances and the City Council shall enact ordinance and guidelines to make sure that all applicants for building permits will specify the source of water to be used for the conduct of their business, may it be deep well, surface water or utility service.

The city must also make sure that leak-less construction of septic tanks to avoid contamination of the aquifer shall be implemented.

It will also be the city’s job to enforce closure of illegal or non-registered wells in coordination with NWRB and MCWD.

The NWRB will be tasked to issue a Cease and Desist Order to illegal private and commercial well operators in areas where MCWD can supply its water requirements within the city.

All permits to be issued by the NWRB will be through the MCWD. Water permit applications will be issued only in areas where MCWD cannot provide water.

MCWD, for its part, shall monitor well drilling and other water resources development activities to ensure that they are consistent with the provision of the Water Code of the Philippines particularly the provisions for groundwater extraction. — (FREEMAN)