BAGUIO CITY August 15 — The newly-created Baguio Water Resources board here raised alarm over the rapid depletion of the city’s water tables caused by the rampant illegal drilling of deep wells; thus, it requested the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) for specific authority giving teeth to regulating such kind of operation for the benefit of the water needs of the present and future generation of local residents and tourists.

In a briefing conducted by city budget officer Leticia Clemente and city environment and parks management officer Cordelia Lacsamana, they informed the board chaired by Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan that there are 200 commercial and residential deep wells operating in the different parts of the city, 102 of which are covered by the necessary permits while the rest are considered to be illegal.

The local water board decided to focus on the rationalization of water pipes in relation to drainage, sewerage lines and septic tanks to prevent contamination of potable water being drilled and distributed to households in the city.