The local government of Baguio City has warned businesses selling water with overpriced rates amid the water supply shortage due to the hot water.

The city has received complaints of overpricing of raw or bulk water sold per drum in the city, typically used for bathing or cleaning purposes.

“Overpricing [yung kaso], kasi ang regular water cost ay ranging from P45 per drum. Ang recently na nari-receive naming complaint ay P80 ‘yung cost per drum,” Aileen Refuerzo, Information Officer of the Baguio City LGU, said,

The Baguio Deep Well Owners and Water Delivery Operators Association, Inc. denied involvement in the alleged overpricing.

They said that they are not associated with those engaging in overpricing.

The rate was increased to P45 per drum starting April 2024, from the minimum price of P40 per drum of water.

Owen Dagdagin, Secretary of the Baguio Deep Well Owners and Water Delivery Operators Association Inc., said that those caught overpricing were not members of their association.

“Tatlo sila na nahuli na nagpatupad ng overpricing, hindi ko sila member as per my list. ’Yung group naming, kami ang tumalima sa sanitary order,” Dagdagin said.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged residents to report overpricing to authorities and to specify the name of the water delivery service.

“Hindi namin ito-tolerate ‘yung mga water delivery services na nagtaas ng presyo. Sana kung mag-report kayo sa amin, dapat banggitin ang pangalan ng water delivery services. Hindi naman lahat ng nagdi-deliver sa barangay na ito, mataas [ang bayad]. Otherwise, ‘yung credibility ng report parang haka-haka na. Nakikita niyo naman kung anong pangalan ng water delivery services,” Magalong said.