Water company OK’d to move to bigger space in San Antonio

The Zoning Board unanimously approved yesterday the conditional use application of a company that seeks to set up a water business in San Antonio.

GD Corp., which does business as Twinkle Brite Water Co., will be allowed to operate a manufacturing and processing facility for its drinking water bottling and retail trade on a lot in Afetna.

The property, which can be accessed via Afetna and Beach roads, is located in a mixed commercial zoning district. GD Corp. proposes to renovate the dilapidated building where it will move in.

The Zoning Office recommended the application’s approval, provided that GD Corp. will not park its water delivery trucks in front of the building when loading water at any time; it will not park any vehicles or delivery truck in the public right-of-way; it will employ landscaping where necessary to screen the parking lots, service areas, storage facilities or trash bins from public view; it will comply with requirement set by the Division of Environmental Quality for stormwater management and use measures to prevent any flooding in the parking areas and right-of-way; and it will submit a sign permit application before putting up any.

Angelito Galang of Twinkle Brite Water Co. said their business is an existing one located across Hopwood Jr. High School in Chalan Piao.

“What we’re planning is to put on a bigger space so our customers can access us, walk in and buy cheap water from us,” he said. A 5-gallon water container, when bought directly from the company, is only $1.25.

According to Galang, Twinkle Brite Water Co. currently serves about 600 to 700 customers on island from an initial customer base of some 50 to 70. He revealed that they supply water to Koblerville Elementary School, Marianas High School, and Eucon School.

Galang said they use water provided by the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. The water is processed using reverse osmosis and is further treated.

Their drinking water, Galang said, is certified by MWH, a water testing laboratory in California, and is also regularly tested by the Division of Environmental Quality and Quality Water company “that’s why I assure that our water is good for the community.”

Legal counsel Kate Fuller asked Galang if there is any part of their process that creates noise, to which he replied that the company’s current facility in Chalan Piao is actually located in a residential area.

“It’s indoor and it’s closed,” Galang added. “It’s not allowed to be open because of the bacteria. It’s always closed.”

Galang also pointed out that they already renovated the surroundings of the existing property in Afetna and that the Department of Public Works already gave them a permit to renovate the dilapidated building.

He assured the board that their company will maintain the building and the surrounding area, owing to the “strict” regulations by DEQ for water companies.

Except for board treasurer Alice S. Igitol, who was excused from attending the meeting, the other four board members voted to approve the application.