Permits and Licensing Division head Vicente Petierre III said they are giving owners of water refilling stations in Bacolod City, who are tapping ground water, three to four months to process their permits with the National Water Resources Board.

Petierre said they informed owners of water refilling stations about this last week, especially those digging wells.

“If they fail to comply, we will be forced to recommend the closure of their businesses. This is not a warning but only a reminder of their obligation as clients of the city,” he said.

Petierre said they can fill up application forms at the Bacolod City Water District and forward them to the NWRB and also pay an initial fee of P5,000.

He noted, however, that there are some who only pay the initial fee and afterwards do not apply for a permit with the NWRB.

Petierre said there are 158 water refilling stations officially recorded in Bacolod City and so far, only 51 have secured permits. They should understand that it will not cost them so much if they apply with the NWRB, he said.

This will help the NWRB to assess the whole situation and the status of the underground water in Bacolod City, he added.*CGS

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