Due to saltwater intrusion: MCWD requests public not to illegally dig wells

CEBU, Philippines - The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is reminding the public not to dig wells and illegally extract groundwater.

MCWD’s Acting Assistant General Manager for Operations Jorge Gabriente said diggings of wells is prohibited in areas where the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is imposing a moratorium on the issuance of water permits because of the worsening saltwater intrusion in Cebu’s aquifer.

?These areas include the whole of Mactan Island, Barangays Day-as, Mabolo and Lahug in Cebu City; Barangays Looc, Guizo, Tipolo, Paknaan and Cabancalan in Mandaue City and Barangays Jubay, Cotcot, San Roque and Estaca in Liloan.

A 2010 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency revealed that if the present water extraction levels continue, saltwater intrusion is projected to reach inland to as far as the foothills of Barangay Talamban in Cebu City by 2030.

Because of this study, the MCWD, which relies heavily on groundwater, has started shifting to surface water sourcing.

Gabriente, in a statement released by MCWD, said private well developers that wish to dig wells will have to apply for a permit before the NWRB.

"Until they get a permit, they cannot start the digging," said Atty. Jennelyn Bilocura of the MCWD Legal Department.

Bilocura said that NWRB can stop illegal diggings and may impose a fine against well drillers who do not have digging permits, as well as against those who operate wells that do not have permits because this constitutes illegal extraction of groundwater.

The operator of an illegal well faces a fine of more than P800 but not exceeding P1,000 per day of violation and the operation of the well may be stopped by NWRB through a cease and desist order.

For well developers who do not have digging permits, a fine of P20,000 will be slapped to first-time offenders and P30,000 for second-time offenders.

For the third offense, the registration of these well developers will be revoked.

Recently, Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing stopped the digging of a well by a private subdivision in Barangay Casuntingan due to lack of permit.

The Mandaue City Legal Department said that the issuance of permits has been suspended to prevent contamination and saltwater intrusion in the aquifer. —/GAN (FREEMAN)