BWD calls Baguio citizens to conserve water for El Niño

April 03, 2024 | By Sophia Noelle Bonite

Aerial view of Kilometer 8 reservoir in Dontogan, Baguio (Website/Baguio Water District)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines— The Baguio Water District (BWD) reminded the public to conserve water as water supply in the city declines because of El Niño.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page, BWD announced that the city’s underground water resources still have not fully recovered due to the minimal rainfall that occurred in the last quarter of 2023.

“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,” the statement read.

The BWD is implementing water service interruptions in different areas of the city because of the effects of El Niño.

John Enriquez, a local of the city, recalled situations wherein water service interruptions are of inconvenience to his routine.

“Nakakaabala siya since we’re expecting na may tubig sa given schedule namin na M-W-F tapos biglang mawawala. Nahihirapan kami lalo sa paghuhugas ng pinggan and water for bath. There was a time pa na I missed an important event kasi hindi ako nakaligo at walang tubig,” said Enriquez.

In 2023, BWD released a contingency plan on the city’s water supply to further reduce the effects of El Niño.

“Exploration of additional water sources is being prioritized to augment the existing water reserves of the city,” the contingency plan stated.

During the March 4 flag ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Benjamin Magalong mentioned that the Baguio local government (LGU) unit meets with BWD representatives weekly to formulate more water conservation measures, as reported by the Baguio City Public Information Office on its Facebook page.

Magalong said that the Baguio LGU will implement the closure of illegal deep wells that cause over-extraction of groundwater once they have been authorized by the National Water Resources Board.

Currently, the water districts are implementing contingency measures, which include commissioning new deep wells, conducting ongoing water exploration projects, and actively promoting water conservation to the public.