Flooding has made access to clean water a challenge to residents of Calasiao in Pangasinan as deep wells in the area are submerged in floodwaters.

Deep wells are their main source of water.

"Nahihirapan talaga kaming umigib ngayon ng tubig," Lito Capia, a resident, said.

On September 9, 2024, municipal health officials inspected the water sources of the residents affected, and warned the residents not to drink water from the deep wells.

"Sa mga affected families, talagang sinabihan sila na huwag munang gamitin as drinking water ang mga deep well," Kristine Joy Soriano, spokesperson of the Calasiao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said.

The submerged wells could be contaminated with harmful bacteria, posing serious health risks.

"Ito po kasing mga open well mayroon silang risk na ma-contaminate ng tubig baha," Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson for the Center for Health Development (CHD) Region 1, said.

Health authorities advise boiling water from deep wells for at least 15 minutes if using it is unavoidable.

They also urged residents to avoid wading, bathing, or playing in floodwaters to prevent diseases such as leptospirosis, cholera, diarrhea, and other waterborne illnesses.