MANILA, Philippines – The Natural Water Resources Board and the Quezon City government have shut down several deep wells in Novaliches and Fairview to help curb the rapid decline of groundwater supply in Metro Manila.

In a statement, NWRB said the deep wells were being maintained by Robinson’s Place in Novaliches and two apartelles in Fairview despite an abundant supply of surface water from Maynilad Water Services Inc.

It added that the unregulated extraction of water from the deep wells had resulted in the gradual depletion of groundwater supply, which has reportedly reached alarming levels.

While it no longer issues new permits for deep well use, NWRB said it still allows the use of deep wells as a main water source, but only if an area does not have adequate surface water supply.

For now, the agency said it is monitoring other deep wells being maintained by commercial establishments and subdivisions, especially since a recent study had shown a rapid decline in groundwater levels in Metro Manila since the early ‘90s.

The NWRB earlier warned the public against excessive deep well extraction that has largely contributed to “land subsidence” or the sinking of the land.

It issued a new regulation banning the over extraction of water from deep wells in Metro Manila and towns of Rizal province.

Land subsidence is mostly caused by the excessive pumping of groundwater. It could also lead to damage or the destruction of infrastructure such as wells, buildings, bridges and highways due to sudden changes in ground elevation.

“Studies show that a growing percentage of people living in Metro Manila continue to use water from groundwater sources, the overuse of which will lead to disaster in the long run,” NWRB Executive Director Ramon Alikpala had said.

He said evidence of a “sinking Metro” was discovered by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.