Water bills without proper supply?
Anger and frustration are boiling over in Northern Tacloban as residents call out PrimeWater for what they describe as “unacceptable,” “inefficient,” and “irresponsible” service amid a prolonged water crisis now affecting several barangays.
For months, areas such as Barangays 97 Cabalawan, 101 Villa Diana, North Hill, GMA, Ridgeview, and other nearby communities have suffered from either extremely low water pressure or complete loss of supply.
Despite the absence of water, residents continue to receive regular monthly billing – a situation many now describe as "daylight robbery."
Residents Decry Poor Service
Some residents pointed out that they have been billed for months but had no water services for more or less three months – some reaching up to P500 per month.
“We haven’t seen a single drop from our faucet in weeks, but the bills keep coming. What are we paying for? This is a massive inconvenience,” a Tacloban resident said
Many households are forced to rely on limited rations from the City Government every Wednesday or collects rainwater.
On days when neither is available, they are forced to buy water from private suppliers, adding to the financial strain.
Due to the severity of their experience, PrimeWater is now sarcastically dubbed as “CrimeWater.”
Meanwhile, Diorico Montejo, a barangay councilor in Barangay 106, criticized the company for repeatedly ignoring formal complaints raised by barangay officials.
“We've sent multiple reports. Nothing has changed. The people are suffering,” Montejo said.
Social media platforms have also become a venue for airing public grievances.
“Tacloban is a highly urbanized city, yet we are forced to wait for rain just to flush our toilets and take a bath. PrimeWater gives us no updates, no clear notices, and no responses to our questions.” Facebook user, Rose Benedicto-Rivera, posted.
LMWD blames ‘equipment failure’
In response to the uproar, Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD) Department Manager Tessa Pascua granted an interview with RMN Tacloban to explain the situation.
Pascua said the water shortage and discolored supply were caused by damage to the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), a device essential in regulating and filtering water from Cabalawan and Baruguan rivers.
The damage was reportedly caused by ongoing infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
She noted that the replacement VFD is expected to arrive soon and hopes normal supply will resume within the week. In the meantime, Pascua said PrimeWater has been deploying water trucks to deliver water to affected areas – a measure residents say is slow, inconsistent, and insufficient.
Unresolved billing and accountability issues
Adding insult to injury, residents have continued to receive full monthly billing despite the lack of service.
Many are demanding a billing suspension or adjustment for the affected period.
Pascua admitted this concern is valid and promised to bring the matter to PrimeWater’s attention for immediate resolution.
She also clarified that while PrimeWater handles daily operations, LMWD is tasked with monitoring the company’s performance.
“If PrimeWater fails to act on your concerns, you can come to us. We are listening,” Pascua assured.
Despite LMWD’s clarifications, many residents remain skeptical and demand more than just explanations. They want accountability, proper communication, and lasting solutions.
What was once a manageable inconvenience has now become a full-blown crisis, affecting hygiene, sanitation, and daily life in a city that prides itself on being highly urbanized.
Pushback against PrimeWater
The Taclobanons’ clamor against PrimeWater comes amid a small but growing “pushback” against the firm by other LGUs in the Philippines who are also becoming fed up with failed service and broken promises.
Last June, former Santa Cruz, Laguna Mayor Edgar San Luis announced that the Santa Cruz Water District (SCWD) is moving to terminate its 2019 joint venture agreement with PrimeWater.
Similar measures are now also being prepared by the San Pedro Water District (SPWD) in San Pedro City, Laguna, as incumbent Mayor Art Mercado is now reportedly prepared to deliver the “ultimate penalty” for PrimeWater’s ten-year dismal water service – an issue that OpinYon’s Laguna bureau had consistently carried since 2018.
With public pressure rising and social media campaigns intensifying, PrimeWater is now under intense scrutiny.
The people of Tacloban have made their message loud and clear: Fix the water, or face the consequences.
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