Baguio City girds up for long, dry summer

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio Water District is encouraging consumers to practice water supply management in the face of this year’s El Niño episode.

Parts of the country are already feeling the effects of El Niño, with dry spells and even droughts being reported.

“Let’s keep it simple, use our available water supply wisely.” BWD General Manager Salvador M. Royeca said.

“Although our water supply is still normal at this time of the year, we might as well try to extend its availability until we reach the next rainy season.” Royeca said.

Water conservation must be practiced not only by households but by business establishments like hotels, transient and boarding houses, whose water consumption is high, he said.

As early as the fourth quarter of 2018, the district had laid out contingency measures to head off a water shortage during the stretch from February until May when visitors converge on Baguio for the Panagbenga festival, and on April, during the Holy Week exodus to the city.

“We will ensure that our available supply will be distributed equitably.” said Royeca, adding the rehabilitation of Sto. Tomas Rain Basin in 2018 and the commissioning of more deepwells particularly in Tam-awan, South Drive, Military Cut-Off, and Busol Tip-Top are expected to augment the water supply.

Still, he suggested water-saving practices including the use of dipper or pail when washing hands and basins when taking a bath; recycling of used water for flushing toilets or watering plants; and inspecting a house or establishment’s water pipes for leaks.

On the average, the district delivers around 58,000 cubic meters of water daily. During the dry season, however, the groundwater supply is expected to dry up substantially.

During peak periods, the city’s water demand balloons to 65,000 cubic meters or more daily.