Baguio activates El Niño continuity plan, steps up water conservation measures

The city government is stepping up water conservation and preparedness measures under its October 2026 El Niño Continuity Action Plan as the city enters the orange phase, focusing on managing water demand, protecting water sources, reducing losses and preparing for a possible red-phase escalation.
The plan outlines 12 key actions involving various city government offices and partner agencies to help ensure adequate water supply and prepare critical facilities and vulnerable sectors for possible worsening conditions.
Among the priority measures is the implementation of a coordinated public information campaign, including daily water conservation advisories, updates on water supply conditions and possible service disruptions, and dissemination of conservation measures to households and establishments.
The Baguio Water District (BWD), in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Management Information Technology Division (MITD), will also establish a weekly water stress dashboard to monitor water availability, supply conditions and pumping water levels.
Citywide water demand management will be intensified, with particular attention to high-volume water users such as tourism enterprises, commercial establishments, golf courses, car wash shops and other water-intensive businesses.
The plan also calls for accelerated leak detection and repair, pipe replacement and other measures to reduce water losses.
To protect existing supplies, the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), with the National Water Resources Board, will monitor critical water sources, springs and groundwater conditions and pursue measures to protect these resources.
The city will also assess the availability of backup water storage facilities in barangays and prioritize hospitals, health centers, evacuation centers, fire stations and other essential facilities for water supply augmentation.
Other measures include identifying alternative water sources and storage options, preparing contingency plans for a possible red phase, and assisting micro, small and medium enterprises in developing water conservation and business continuity plans.
The City Health Services Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office will likewise strengthen surveillance and preparedness for heat-related and waterborne illnesses, including monitoring vulnerable residents and affected locations.
The BWD, in coordination with the Public Information Office, will disseminate its water conservation action plan through official city communication channels and other appropriate information platforms.
The action plan schedules the implementation and intensification of these measures throughout October, with selected activities receiving priority attention as the city prepares for a possible escalation to the red phase.
The city government is urging residents, businesses and institutions to conserve water and cooperate with conservation measures to help protect available supplies. **Aileen P. Refuerzo