The Baguio Water District is encouraging its consumers to practice water supply management to counter this year’s forecasted El Niño episode, which is already being experienced now.
BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca calls on various stakeholders to keep an eye on the use and to observe conservation of available water supply as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) already confirmed the forecasted dry spell for the country.
“Let’s keep it simple, use our available water supply wisely.” Royeca said.
According to GM Royeca, the District and its consumers should act proactively to lessen the conceivable strain of water shortage especially during the coming summer season.
“Although our water supply is still normal at this time of the year, we might as well try to extend its availability until we reach the next rainy season.” he added.
The BWD’s top official furthered that water conservation practices must be adopted in households and business establishments alike particularly hotels, transient and boarding houses where the highest consumption of water supply is usually observed.
PAGASA issued El Niño Advisory No. 1 last February 20, 2019, which states that the weather pattern associated with reduced rainfall, is now affecting the Philippines. The meteorology bureau also said their climate monitoring and analyses indicate that the unusually warm sea surface which started November 2018 is already expected to become a full-blown El Niño.
Meanwhile, as early as the fourth quarter of 2018, the District has already set its contingency and strategic measures to ease the scarcity of water supply for the summer particularly during the peak months of February until May throughout the festivities of Panagbenga and on the month of April during Holy Week.
“We will ensure that our available supply will be distributed equitably.” said Royeca adding the completed rehabilitation of Sto. Tomas Rain Basin in 2018 and the commissioning of additional deepwells particularly in Tam-awan, South Drive, Military Cut-Off, and Busol Tip-Top are expected to augment the water supply in the intended supply areas.
Royeca nevertheless, advised the public on the various water-saving practices including but not limited to the use of dipper or pail when washing hands and use of basins when taking a bath; use of glass when brushing teeth; re-cycling of used water for flushing toilets or watering plants; and performing individual inspection within the water system of households or establishments for possible leaks.
He also reminded the consumers to store water using containers such as tanks or drums and remember to report water supply problem directly to BWD’s Complaints Section for immediate action.
On the average, BWD is able to produce around 58,000 cubic meters of water daily however, during dry season, water supply from groundwater sources is expected to decline gradually. During peak periods, the demand for the Summer Capital balloons up to 65,000 cubic meters or more daily.
The public is advised to contact BWD’s 24/7 hotline numbers: (074)442-4929, (074)442-3218, (074)442-6539, 0908-865-1504, 0917-679-4929, 0922-840-9765, or send email at baguiowaterdistrictgmo@gmail.com or visit the Customer Relations Office (CRO) at 003 Purok BWD, Barangay Marcoville, DPS Compound. **BWD/Mark Victor Pasagoy
