Beginning Nov. 1, the Baguio Water District will implement an increase on fees collected for the maintenance and replacement of defective ½” water meters.
In BWD Board Resolution 34-2023, the water meter maintenance fee (WMMF) will increase to P40 from the previous P20.
BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca said the adjustment was unanimously approved by the district’s top-level management after thorough deliberation and review on its impact not only to its operations but to consumers as well.
“BWD determined the need to increase the WMMF in order to include all other direct and indirect expenses incurred in the maintenance and replacement of ½” water meters” Royeca said.
He added the adjustment aims to offset the impact of inflation in the global market on the operational expenses of the BWD on the maintenance of water meters such as power, fuel, labor and materials.
The BWD said the cost of replacement of defective or stolen big meters (¾”Æ, 1”Æ, 1 ½”Æ, 2”Æ, 3”Æ) will be charged to the account owner accordingly.
The BWD management assured the adjustment is reasonable, both for the customers and for the operation of the water utility.
The cost of a ½” water meter delivered by various suppliers to BWD in 2019 was P1,872.67 as compared to the 2023 cost which is P2,760 or a 47.39 percent increase. The increase is a result of inflation which the water utility needs to cushion to maintain its financial stability and operational efficiency. – Press release
