CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Raising alarm over the worsening water conditions in the city, a leading businessman and concerned Fernandino called on service provider PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. and the City of San Fernando Water District (CSFWD) to undertake urgent action to resolve what could end up to a health crisis.
In a strongly worded letter dated May 21 addressed to PrimeWater San Fernando branch manager Mark Dalisay and copy furnished CSFWD general manager Engr. Nelson Lingat, Rene G. Romero detailed incidents of discolored, sediment-filled water having a “dark brown hue resembling coffee” coming out of household faucets.
“I have received videos and testimonials from other PrimeWater customers in San Fernando experiencing the same contamination,” Romero wrote. “These widespread incidents raise significant doubts about PrimeWater’s assertion that regular flushing activities are an effective and sufficient solution.”
The contamination, which reportedly began on May 17, has affected multiple households across the city.
Aside from water discoloration, Romero highlighted the problem of low water pressure which residents claim has made basic hygiene and household chores difficult. The compounding issues have led to heightened concerns about public health and the utility company’s accountability.
Romero also criticized the company’s May 8 response to his earlier complaints, saying several critical questions were “not totally addressed” and others “only partially answered.”
He called on PrimeWater to explain the root causes of the contamination and to lay out concrete safety and accountability measures.
Romero formally requested the immediate scheduling of a consultative meeting between PrimeWater, CSFWD, and concerned consumers, stressing the need for a “candid and constructive” discussion aimed at resolving the crisis.
“I am deeply concerned that prolonged exposure to such water will inevitably cause illness among residents. Clean and safe water is not a luxury, it’s a fundamental human right and a basic obligation of any water utility provider,” he said.
The letter comes just a week before the CSFWD’s scheduled deadline of May 28 to consider the possible pre-termination of its joint venture agreement (JVA) with PrimeWater.
Romero has expressed support for the JVA termination, should the utility fail to rectify its alleged service deficiencies.
“We believe there is ample evidence of PrimeWater’s failure to fulfill its basic service commitments to the public,” Romero said, urging the water district to act decisively in defense of consumer welfare.
As of press time, PrimeWater has yet to issue a new public statement addressing the renewed complaints. Residents await confirmation of a proposed dialogue, hoping that concrete solutions, not mere assurances, will be delivered in the days ahead. Punto News Team
