City Council urges PrimeWater, BACIWA to fix dirty water crisis

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Council is urging the local water utility firm to address growing consumer complaints over allegedly contaminated water coming out of household faucets.

In a press statement, Councilor Caesar Distrito said the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved a resolution on Wednesday requesting PrimeWater-BACIWA to act immediately on widespread reports of dark, foul-smelling, and contaminated tap water.

The resolution also asks the water firm to issue a public report explaining the cause of the contamination, outline immediate remedial actions, and present long-term solutions to the recurring issue.

Distrito, the author of the resolution, said he drafted the measure in response to a wave of complaints from residents in multiple Bacolod areas, including Taculing, Singcang, Sum-ag, Mansilingan, Banago, Cabug, Pahanocoy, Tangub, Alijis, Bata, and nearly all numbered barangays.

Residents reported that water from their faucets had recently turned dark in color, emitted a foul odor, and appeared unsafe for use or consumption.

“This is no longer just a service issue—it is a public health concern,” Distrito said.

“The people of Bacolod deserve safe, clean, and potable water. PrimeWater-BACIWA must immediately explain what caused this water contamination and what they are doing about it. The absence of clear communication and accountability is unacceptable,” he added.

The City Council, led by Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella, also agreed to personally deliver the resolution to PrimeWater-BACIWA upon the suggestion of Councilor Homer Bais.

Distrito said the move sends a clear message of the Council’s seriousness and indignation over the deteriorating water service.

“We are united in this action because we are echoing the cries of our constituents,” said Puentevella.

“By delivering this resolution ourselves, we are showing that the Sangguniang Panlungsod stands with the people. We want PrimeWater-BACIWA to see the faces behind this demand—and those faces are the people of Bacolod who have suffered long enough,” he added.

Distrito also said the resolution calls for a full public report detailing the cause of the water quality issue, the affected barangays and households, immediate safety and remedial actions taken, and long-term solutions to prevent a repeat of the problem.

“This is not a political issue—it is a matter of public welfare and dignity,” Distrito said.

“If they continue to ignore us, we will not stop raising our voices until the people of Bacolod are no longer forced to endure this kind of treatment from their water service provider,” he added.

The resolution will be delivered to PrimeWater-BACIWA within the week.