By Nimfa L. Estrellado Approximately fifty families from Barangay Cotta, Lucena City, gather with buckets to receive their allocated water r...
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| Approximately fifty families from Barangay Cotta, Lucena City, gather with buckets to receive their allocated water ration being distributed by the Quezon Metropolitan Water District. (Nylanitsric Airuf) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - PrimeWater Quezon Metro is under increasing pressure as the Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD) actively pursues a review of their operational agreement. This development follows widespread customer dissatisfaction and serious allegations that PrimeWater has failed to uphold its contractual obligations for water service provision in the region.
Amidst this backdrop, PrimeWater Quezon Metro issued a public advisory to address a misleading post circulating online. The company clarified that a claim of a "No Water - No Bill Policy" taking effect on May 1, 2025, is not an official announcement and did not originate from their office.
PrimeWater urged residents to rely solely on their official communication channels – their Facebook page and customer service hotlines – for accurate information. While QMWD has initiated a significant customer satisfaction survey targeting residents within its jurisdiction, including Lucena City, Tayabas City, and Pagbilao, who are currently served by PrimeWater.
This survey aims to gather direct feedback on the quality and reliability of the existing water services. QMWD has assured the public that all responses will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, adhering to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), and that participation is voluntary.
The insights gleaned from this survey are expected to be crucial in informing QMWD's next steps regarding the water service provision in the area. The move by QMWD to potentially review the Joint Venture Agreement, initially signed on June 8, 2018, is rooted in alleged breaches of contract by PrimeWater.
According to information from sources within QMWD, there are concerns that PrimeWater has reportedly failed to meet key obligations outlined in the agreement, leading to persistent and unresolved water supply issues and significant public discontent. This situation has prompted local government units within the QMWD's service area to actively seek measures to ensure reliable water access for their constituents.
Public anger has been mounting due to the unreliable water services. Frustration is palpable among households forced to drastically alter their daily routines, often having to store water in containers whenever it becomes available, unsure of when the next interruption will occur.
Businesses, particularly those relying heavily on water such as restaurants and laundromats, have reported significant losses and operational disruptions due to the inconsistent supply. The lack of a predictable water schedule has also made it difficult for residents to plan ahead, adding a layer of stress to everyday life.
Many have also complained about consistently low water pressure, making it difficult to perform basic household tasks like showering or washing dishes, especially in elevated areas. Concerns about the quality of the water have surfaced, with some residents reporting instances of discoloration, unusual odors, or the presence of sediment, raising fears about potential health risks.
Local officials in Quezon Province have also publicly expressed their dissatisfaction. Board Member Vinette Alcala has been vocal about the need for PrimeWater to improve its services and address the grievances of their constituents. Board Member Julius Luces has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the responsibility of PrimeWater to provide reliable and consistent water to the communities they serve.
In Cavite, for example, some residents have described the service as unreliable, with water access being limited and, in some cases, prompting residents to install their own water pumps. In Bulacan, residents have expressed anger over high bills despite inconsistent water supply, and in Angeles City, widespread dissatisfaction has been reported due to prolonged periods without water.
The challenges faced by PrimeWater and the decisive actions taken by QMWD occur within the broader context of the complexities of water service management in Quezon province. Ensuring consistent and high-quality water supply in the region is an ongoing effort, often complicated by factors such as aging infrastructure and the impact of natural disruptions.
While PrimeWater has previously indicated plans for substantial infrastructure upgrades, including pipeline replacements, the current developments suggest a growing need for QMWD to assess the effectiveness of the existing partnership. The long-term sustainability of water services in Quezon is intrinsically linked to the preservation of vital water resources, such as the Mt. Banahaw watershed.
Protecting these natural sources from environmental degradation is crucial for securing a reliable water supply for the growing population. Collaborative efforts between local government units, water districts like QMWD, and private entities have historically aimed to tackle these challenges through infrastructure development, the exploration of new water sources, and the reduction of water losses.
The feedback obtained through QMWD's customer satisfaction survey will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of water service provision in the province, potentially leading to adjustments in the current management structure. QMWD intends to use this information to ensure a more reliable and satisfactory water supply for all residents.
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