BWD sets water measures for dry summer season

By Mark Victor Pasagoy

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Water District has set contingency measures to assure stability of water supply this summer.

BWD general manager engineer Salvador M. Royeca said timely preparations reduce stress to the District if conceivable problems are already monitored this early.

“We need to prepare for the upcoming dry season. This has been a regular practice for the District, but as always we need to make sure that the residents of Baguio including the anticipated number of visitors will have sufficient supply of water early next year.” Royeca said.

Temporary water shortage during summer particularly in the peak months from February to May, he said, affects water supply and demand.

In such conditions, Royeca said the lone water utility adjusts its operations for an equitable water supply to its consumers.

“We need to consider the possibility that once our water sources reach critical levels we have to budget our supply. As far as we are concerned BWD has to equally distribute water in its jurisdiction and if needed we have to adjust.” he added.

Despite the annual temporary water shortage, Royeca said, adding there will be sufficient water supply but reminded the public to still practice water conservation.

 “Our sources are limited and we should remember that. We cannot abuse them or else it will only result to an even greater problem in the future.” 

Royeca added BWD’s contingency measures should be complemented by its consumers.

Royeca also cited the importance of the completion of the rehabilitation and re-operation of the Sto. Tomas Rain Basin in March this year.

              STRB, the largest water impounding facility operated by BWD serves as a water reserve and caters to more than 6,000 connections in the southern area of the city during summer.

             At present, the lone water utility in the Summer Capital operates a total of 64 deepwells with 25 booster stations and four spring sources; serving 122 out of the 129 barangays in Baguio with around 43,000 billed connections.