BWD BREAKS GROUND, COMMITS TO COMPLETE MORE DRILLING PROJECTS IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS

October 7, 2023 Community Billboard Environment

PHOTO CAPTION: AUDACIOUS. Baguio Water District General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca during a recent interview announced that the District will take a belligerent stance in exploring additional groundwater sources as it commits to implement and complete ten (10) well-drilling projects annually for the next three (3) years.

The Baguio Water District shall go beyond its boundaries as it revisits its targets to implement and
complete at least ten (10) welldrilling projects annually, for the next three (3) years. In line with its goal to provide adequate and potable water supply to all customers, BWD will intensify its water
source exploration programs until 2026 to sustain the water supply and meet the increasing
artificial demand due to migration and commercialization within its jurisdiction.

BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca recently announced that more exploration programs are already in the pipeline as part of the District’s long-term solution to the ever-growing
water needs particularly in the City of Baguio. “We already revamped our exploration programs to
address the water needs of our customers. BWD has already programmed to implement and complete ten (10) well-drilling projects yearly.” GM Royeca said.

Previously, BWD set its annual target to complete and commission at least two (2) new deepwells yearly. With the renewal of the District’s commitment, GM Royeca has set its eyes to surpass the
District’s normal productivity in terms of commissioning new groundwater sources. “We have to be aggressive in acquiring new water sources, this is the only way we can ensure to meet our customer’s expectations.” he added.

According to GM Royeca, BWD is looking to source around 8,000 to 10,000 cubic meters of water per day in addition to its current daily water production. On average, BWD produces 45,000 to 48,000 cubic meters of safe and potable water daily. This could be augmented to 50,000 to 52,000
cubic meters daily depending on the actual production and situation of the District’s present water sources.

During peak season, the artificial demand brought about by the influx of tourists and visitors, increases to approximately 65,000 cubic meters of water or more daily. Earlier, BWD already reported that two (2) of the six (6) proposed well-drilling projects for 2023 are scheduled to be completed and commissioned before the year ends, namely the Kennon Road-Zigzag deepwell and the Gibraltar 2 deepwell. Once found productive, these deepwells will augment the water supply in surrounding areas and will be among the contingency plans for the forecasted El Niño next year.

Meanwhile, the South Drive 2 and Richwood (Easter RoadGuisad) well-drilling projects were just recently awarded to their respective contractors. More areas with proposed well-drilling projects are likewise in the pipeline including Ramsey in Bakakeng, Montinola along Kisad Road, and an identified site along Ferguson Road. A potential drilling site along Balacbac Road, Baguio City is also presently being evaluated.