Baguio folk told to put up more storage tanks
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio Water District (BWD) is urging the public to strengthen water conservation efforts as the water utility intensifies measures to protect and sustain the city’s water supply amid the effects of prolonged dry conditions.
BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca emphasized that while the district continues to implement contingency measures and optimizes available water sources, public cooperation remains vital in ensuring water supply throughout the dry season.
“Water conservation should not only be practiced during El Niño. It must become part of our daily lifestyle because every drop of water saved helps extend supply availability and protect the environment,” GM Royeca said.
Although Baguio City is far from experiencing a total water crisis, Royeca explained that the seasonal decline in water source yield continues to contribute to temporary supply shortages, particularly in identified challenging areas.
“We are implementing measures to cushion the effects of the seasonal decline in water sources, although we cannot completely prevent it from occurring. Climate change has long been affecting our environment, and BWD remains committed to pursuing solutions that will help ensure water security for the public,” he added.
As part of its ongoing preparations, BWD continues to closely monitor its facilities while fast-tracking the activation and commissioning of additional water sources to augment supply.
At present, BWD operates seventy-five deep wells, four spring sources, two rainwater harvesting facilities, and two mini-bulk water suppliers, which collectively contribute to meeting the city’s water requirements.
The district also continues to conduct leak detection and repair activities, manage equitable water distribution, and maintain 24/7 monitoring of water systems and facilities to help minimize service disruptions.
Despite operational challenges brought about by declining source yield, BWD assured the public that proactive measures are continuously being undertaken to lessen the impact of dry conditions on water service delivery.
BWD likewise encourages households and communities to adopt practical water-saving habits, such as promptly fixing or reporting leaks, minimizing unnecessary water use, reusing water whenever possible, and avoiding wasteful consumption.
“Preparedness is not solely the responsibility of the water district. Water security is a shared responsibility between the utility and the community it serves,” GM Royeca emphasized.
The BWD is also appealing to residents to put up more storage tanks in their respective homes to store water for their daily needs and prevent difficulties in accessing the potable water supply, especially during the summer season when there is a decline in supply from its sources.
Royeca said there is no doubt that potable water supply from existing sources, such as deep wells, springs, and other open sources, declines during the summer season because there are no rains to recharge the aquifers.
He said residents should start investing in the installation of water tanks and other suitable storage facilities in their homes and ensure that these are filled during their scheduled water supply to last until the next scheduled supply.
Royeca reminded the public that BWD has released water supply schedules for residents in the different barangays during the summer season to ensure that the available supply is equitably distributed among consumers, as water balancing is now being employed to help maintain sufficient water supply.
The BWD official pointed out that some residents have already invested in larger water tanks in their respective homes to maximize water storage during their supply schedule and ensure enough supply until the next schedule.
He also reminded consumers to adopt water conservation measures to prevent wastage.
He encouraged residents living in highly elevated areas of the city, who often experience low water pressure and limited supply during the summer season, to consider installing more water storage facilities to ensure the availability of water within their households until the next water supply schedule.
Royeca expressed hope that more households will consider putting up additional water tanks and storage facilities in their homes so they can store more water for their daily needs, especially during the summer months.
