WATER DRILLING. The Baguio Water District continues to drill additional deep wells to ensure adequate water supply in this 2023 photo. Authorities have been encouraging the public to conserve water to help address the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to be felt in Baguio until June. (PNA file photo from BWD)
BAGUIO CITY – Households and business establishments here have been told to help save water by recycling it and minimizing wastage.
“Local carwash establishments should start to use only the right amount of water to clean vehicles to avoid wastage. Households, especially those with gardens can do the same when watering their plants,” Gabriel Keith, Baguio City assistant information officer, said in an interview Tuesday night.
Keith noted that during a recent meeting of city officials, there was a report on the observed decrease in water pressure from deep well water sources, which could affect the supply in the city.
“We have to help each other save water and use water conscientiously,” he said.
The Baguio Water District (BWD) earlier reported that they maintain 63 deep wells, 77 pumping stations, four spring sources, and two rainwater catchment facilities, serving a total of 48,450 active connections across the city.
Keith said city officials are expecting an extended El Niño until June, hence the need to prepare for the worst.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) website, El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring dry spells and drought in some parts of the country.
The city government has asked the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) for deputization so it could close illegal deep wells that cause the over-extraction of groundwater, especially in the city’s watersheds.
Keith also said that during recent visits to the Buyog and Busol watersheds, two of the major sources of water for household use, it was observed that the trees seemed to have lost their vitality, which could be a result of the over-extraction of groundwater.
BWD manager Salvador Royeca earlier encouraged homeowners and commercial establishments to install rain catchment facilities to augment supply, noting that the water supply provider is drilling additional wells to ensure more supply. (PNA)
