Caloocan residents told: Don't patronize unlicensed water stations

MANILA, Philippines - The Caloocan City health department reminded residents Friday not to patronize unlicensed water refilling stations because they might be buying contaminated water.

Sanitary inspector Ronnie de la Cruz said several refilling stations in the city are operating without the required licenses from the city health department and the city government.

“Refilling stations are required to display in prominent areas within their place their license to operate and permit to dispense drinking water. Without them, consumers should not buy their products,” De la Cruz said.

He said their products could also be tainted with harmful bacteria. “Licensed water refilling stations must also show proof of a monthly bacteriological analysis to make sure that their products are safe to consume,” De la Cruz said.

Mayor Enrico Echiverri earlier said that a Department of Health study indicated that some samples of bottled water sold in the streets are “tainted” and unsafe for drinking. He told the city health department to go after unlicensed refilling stations.