By CESAR JOLITO III
In a bid to prevent recurring water service interruptions during power outages, the Bacolod City council has unanimously approved on second reading an ordinance requiring all water service providers in the city to install standby power generators in their wells and pumping stations.
The proposed measure, titled the Permanent Power Generators on Pumping Stations Ordinance of Bacolod City, covers all water distributors, concessionaires and suppliers operating in the city, including Bacolod City Water District – PrimeWater and subdivision developers that provide water to homeowners.
City officials said the ordinance responds to repeated complaints from residents and institutions affected by water supply disruptions whenever electricity service is cut, often impacting households, hospitals, schools, and business establishments.
Under the measure, water service providers must install and maintain fully operational standby generators with automatic start-up capabilities to ensure uninterrupted water delivery during power failures.
The ordinance also encourages the adoption of alternative backup systems such as solar-powered generators and uninterruptible power supply units.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, the ordinance’s principal author, stressed that access to water should not be compromised by infrastructure limitations.
“Water is a basic human right. This ordinance ensures that even during power outages, the people of Bacolod will not be deprived of safe and adequate water supply,” Distrito said, adding that the measure aims to protect public health, sanitation and general welfare.
Co-author Councilor Dindo Ramos said the ordinance institutionalizes safeguards against service disruptions that are often beyond the city’s control.
“Power outages may be unavoidable, but water service interruptions should not be. Requiring standby generators in all pumping stations is a concrete step to prioritize the needs of households, medical facilities and businesses,” Ramos said.
Once enacted, water service providers will have 60 days from the ordinance’s effectivity to begin installing generators, with full compliance mandated within six months.
Failure to comply will result in a fine of P5,000 per day and possible referral to the Local Water Utilities Administration and other concerned regulatory agencies.
The proposed ordinance is scheduled for third and final reading in the next city council session./CJ, WDJ