23/04/2024
𝗘𝗹 𝗡𝗶ñ𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼’𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆, 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
The normal water supply distribution in Summer Capital remains partly disrupted due to the ongoing effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which continue to strain Baguio City’s water sources.
The Baguio Water District (BWD) has been working diligently to manage the available water supply efficiently, recognizing that this region is facing the challenge of a prolonged dry spell, along with other cities and provinces in the Philippines.
Currently, BWD is actively monitoring its various underground and spring water sources as the dry season is only halfway through its usual course. The limited rainfall experienced during the last quarter of 2023 has not allowed Baguio’s underground water resources, including those in adjacent municipalities, to fully recover. This situation poses a significant threat as the demand for water increases during peak seasons such as Christmas, New Year holidays, and the upcoming summer activities, attracting more visitors in the city.
In recent observations, the filling of water in BWD reservoirs and water holding tanks has gradually slowed down, leading to delays in water distribution to Baguio City’s most vulnerable or water-challenged areas. Dry spells, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), are characterized by below-normal rainfall conditions for three consecutive months, while drought conditions involve below-normal rainfall conditions (21 to 60 percent reduction from average) for five consecutive months.
Despite these challenges, BWD has implemented contingency measures to mitigate the adverse effects of El Niño, including the commissioning of new deepwells, and ongoing water supply exploration projects. These efforts aim to augment water production and bridge the gap between the increasing water demand and supply within BWD’s jurisdiction.
Furthermore, BWD, in collaboration with the City Government of Baguio and other concerned offices, is actively promoting water conservation among residents and transients. These conservation measures include taking short showers instead of long baths, using basins for dishwashing and recycling water for other purposes, using glass or cups when brushing teeth, and running washers in full loads, among others.
BWD encourages consumers to remain patient and understanding during these challenging times and urges the public to communicate their water supply concerns through appropriate channels for timely resolution. -𝐁𝐖𝐃
