Up to 1,000 deep wells were found to be operating illegally in Baguio City.

According to the city government, only 200 have permits from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

The local government warned about the dangers of extracting water from deep wells without permits from NWRB. It said only legitimate deep wells or water providers should obtain water.

"Siyempre, kung hindi sila permitted, hindi natin na-o-oversee kung if they are complying with the health standards. Siyempre, hindi nati-test ‘yan kasi kung permitted ka, may periodic testing to ensure that the water you are supplying is within the health standards," Aileen Refuerzo, Information Officer of Baguio City, said.

NWRB holds the authority to shut the deep wells down. What the city can do is require operators of the wells to secure a permit from NWRB. 

The LGU is also monitoring water delivery services and water refillers. As of this writing, there are 39 registered water delivery businesses and 186 licensed water refillers in the city.

"Mayroong private properties, mayroon malakihan, mayroong for use for residential, [at] mayroong for business purposes. Lahat ng mga ito ay either doon, lahat ‘yan covered, kailangan may permit," Refuerzo added.

The LGU plans to release a list of legitimate water providers, including licensed deep wells, water delivery services, and water refilling stations, to guide the public.

This crackdown on illegal businesses follows a diarrhea outbreak in the city earlier in January 2024, which affected more than 3,000 individuals.