The Dumaguete City Water District needs a local legislation prohibiting the construction of deep and shallow wells within one kilometer from the shoreline.

Cleonico Fontelo of the DCWD board made the statement at the blessing and inauguration of the new administration building last Friday. "We may have more than enough supply of drinking water in Dumaguete, but one salty water enters into the water system of Dumaguete, it would be irreversible," Fontelo said.

The threat can be prevented with the enactment of an enabling ordinance, Fontelo added.

Despite the reforestation project undertaken by DCWD in the 192-hectare land in Marilao, Valencia, Fontelo said it would be best for the 20,000 consumers to plant one tree each year to protect and preserve its water supply.

On the other hand, Negros Oriental State University president Dr. Henry Sojor said, he would like to see the water district become an industry leader in terms of extending quality drinking water to Dumagueteños.

Gov. George Arnaiz said the new office site will definitely decongest traffic in front of NORSU and improved the business climate in the city.*JG

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