The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) investigation into the alleged unsanitary operations and questionable water-testing practices of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. could pave the way for regulatory sanctions while helping restore public confidence in San Jose del Monte City’s water system, the local government said.
The probe stems from a joint inspection on June 29 by the city government, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and Metro Pacific Bulacan Water (MPBW), which uncovered a water sampling line at a septage treatment facility connected directly to a potable water source instead of treated wastewater—raising concerns over the integrity of compliance testing.
DENR-EMB inspectors immediately dismantled the faucet used in the sampling setup after concluding that it could compromise water quality monitoring. The agency said the configuration may constitute a prohibited act under the Philippine Clean Water Act.
DENR-EMB Regional Director Martin Despi said the agency will elevate its findings to the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB), which will determine whether PrimeWater violated environmental regulations and decide on possible penalties or corrective measures.
Inspectors also examined Booster Station No. 2 in Barangay Minuyan Proper, where they found a corroded and damaged tank cover that could have allowed rainwater, rust and other contaminants to enter the potable water supply during PrimeWater’s operations. MPBW, which has since taken over water services in the city, said the facility is now undergoing treatment before water is distributed to consumers.
The investigation comes as regulators intensify scrutiny of water concessionaires, with environmental compliance and service reliability increasingly taking center stage alongside tariff and operational issues. For San Jose del Monte, the city’s endorsement of the DENR probe signals an effort to establish accountability while supporting the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure and restoring confidence in the safety and quality of its drinking water.
