Starting June 2025, water consumers in Mangaldan, Pangasinan will see an increase in their monthly water bills — the first hike in over a decade.

The Mangaldan Water District (MAWAD) announced that the minimum rate will rise from P125 to P147.50 per month, with an added 2 percent franchise tax. The new rates apply to households consuming up to 10 cubic meters of water.

This means a household that used to pay P125 monthly will now pay P147.50, plus the tax.

MAWAD said the increase is long overdue, as the last adjustment was made in 2013.

“Nagsabi naman na tayo sa kanila na P147.50 na ang minimum charge. Magre-reflect ito by July,” MAWAD Senior Corporate Accountant Aira Jane Perez, said.

The agency also said the hike went through proper approval procedures with the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

MAWAD pointed to rising electricity costs and high fuel prices as key reasons behind the rate hike.

They assured residents that service improvements are underway, including the construction of new water pumping stations in areas with frequent complaints.

“Sa Alitaya kasi madalas na may mga reklamo,” Perez added.

Water consumers in Mangaldan have already been notified of the new rates.

Some residents like Carmen Ydia said they will try to reduce their water usage to avoid higher bills.

“Importante na may tubig kami. Kailangan namin, kaya magtipid na lang,” Ydia said.