NWRB Permit & CPC
An NWRB Water Permit and Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) issued by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) are mandatory for entities that extract, distribute, sell, or use water resources in the Philippines.
Our environmental consultancy provides end-to-end NWRB permit processing, combined with digital integration tools to help businesses maintain continuous compliance, track renewals, and avoid penalties or suspension.
What Is an NWRB Water Permit?
An NWRB Water Permit authorizes a person or entity to:
- Extract groundwater or surface water
- Operate deep wells, shallow wells, or surface water intakes
- Use water for industrial, commercial, agricultural, or domestic purposes
It ensures that water use is legal, sustainable, and non-conflicting with other users.
Operating a well or water source without an NWRB permit is illegal and subject to fines, closure, and sealing of wells.
What Is a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC)?
A Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) is required when water is:
- Sold or distributed to the public
- Used in water refilling stations
- Supplied by water districts, cooperatives, or private operators
- Used for commercial water delivery
The CPC confirms that the service is necessary and beneficial to the public, the operator is technically and financially capable, and the water source is legally permitted.
Most water refilling stations require both a Water Permit and a CPC.
NWRB Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- 1
Water Source Assessment
Identify groundwater or surface water source, verify well depth, pump capacity, and extraction volume, and confirm land ownership or authority to use the site.
- 2
Documentary Preparation
Application forms (Water Permit / CPC), location map and vicinity map, well construction details, pump test results, water demand computation, and environmental permits (ECC, LLDA Clearance if applicable).
- 3
Filing with NWRB
Submission to NWRB Central or Regional Office, and payment of filing and publication fees.
- 4
Publication & Hearing (CPC)
Public notice publication, evaluation of objections (if any), and technical and legal assessment.
- 5
Inspection & Approval
Site inspection by NWRB, issuance of Water Permit and/or CPC, and permit validity and extraction limits defined.
Why Hire an NWRB Consultant?
A professional consultant will:
DIY applications often result in long delays or outright denial.
Our NWRB Consulting Services
We provide:
- NWRB Water Permit processing
- Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) application
- Technical assessment and water demand studies
- Coordination with DENR, LLDA, LGUs
- Digital permit tracking & integration tools
- Renewal and compliance management
Serving clients nationwide, including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Region III, CALABARZON, and other regions.
Ensure your water source and operations are legal, secure, and compliant.
Request a QuotePD 1067 – Water Code
NWRB Rules on Water Permits
NWRB MCs on CPC Issuance
RA 9275 – Clean Water Act
Anyone extracting or using water from wells or surface sources.
Examples: Water refilling stations, factories with deep wells, real estate developments, farms.
NWRB Application Forms
Proof of Land Ownership/Lease
Location & Vicinity Maps
Well Construction Log
Pumping Test Data
Environmental Permits (ECC, DP)
| Water Permit | Usually 5 years |
| CPC | 5 years (renewable) |
Non-renewal can lead to fines, well closure, and permit cancellation.
Incomplete technical data
Conflicting water rights
Over-extraction risk
Missing environmental permits
Improper well construction