A water consumer in Dagupan City was shocked after his usual bill of over P200 jumped to P5,979 in January 2026, prompting a complaint and an explanation from the local water provider.

Jerry Fernandez, a resident of Barangay Mangin, said he could not believe the sudden spike in his water bill. He suspects the increase started after Pamana Water transferred their water line.

From a regular payment of more than P200, his bill rose to P5,979 in the January billing.

“Parang di ko tanggap yung paliwanag nila… noong naging 476 dapat po bago nila nilipat sa 5,000 mahigit, ni-reading nila. Wala silang maipakita sa akin na ni-reading nila,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez believes the old water line may not have been shut off properly when the meter was transferred, which could have caused the disparity.

EXPLANATION

Pamana Water clarified that the increase may have been caused by damage to an underground or “invisible” water pipe. The company said it shuts off water lines whenever it transfers a meter or pipe, but it is now gathering full details of the complaint to check if there was any lapse on their part.

“Within 20 days na nandoon yung metro sa original location eh doon nangyari yung damage so bago namin nilipat yung tubo nandoon na yung consumption,” Glenn Gomez, branch manager of Pamana Water Dagupan, said.

Gomez added that road works in Barangay Mangin may have also damaged the water line without anyone noticing.

“Mostly may mga ganiyan na walang tubig because tinamaan ng kontraktor yung linya… ang advise namin sa kaniya is kausapin yung nakasira talaga,” Gomez said.

GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon is seeking a statement from the contractor involved in the road project.

Meanwhile, Pamana Water said it has given consideration to Fernandez and offered a discount and installment payment scheme to reduce his bill.

The company also advised consumers to report any leaks or pipe damage immediately to their office so the issue can be addressed quickly.