Pax Silica May Use Up to 90 Million Liters of Water Daily
The proposed Pax Silica project in New Clark City, Tarlac, could consume an estimated 65 to 90 million liters of water per day, according to Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Engr. Joshua Bingcang.
The figure was disclosed during a Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change hearing on August 14, 2026, after Sen. Raffy Tulfo questioned the BCDA about the project’s expected daily water consumption and its possible source.
Bingcang said the initial assessment showed that Pax Silica could require between 65 and 90 million liters of water daily.
He clarified that the project is not expected to obtain water through groundwater extraction, particularly in areas where communities live and agriculture is being carried out. Instead, the BCDA plans to use surface water collected from nearby rivers.
The proposed system would involve storing river water in tanks, especially during the rainy season, and treating it before it is used by the project. The rivers being considered include the Bangut River, O’Donnell River, and Abacan River.
According to the BCDA, the plan is to use excess surface water that naturally flows through the rivers rather than extracting water from underground sources. This approach is intended to avoid affecting groundwater supplies used by residential and agricultural communities.
The planned water use has raised questions because of the project’s potentially large daily requirement. At up to 90 million liters per day, Pax Silica would need a significant and reliable water supply for its operations.
The BCDA maintained that the proposed water system will focus on surface water harvesting and treatment instead of groundwater extraction. Authorities are expected to continue reviewing the project’s water requirements and potential effects on local water resources as the development moves forward.
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