BWD PRESENTS MEASURES IN PREP. FOR POSSIBLE EL NIÑO

February 2, 2024 Environment Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

In a forum with the Baguio Council on January 29, the Baguio Water District (BWD) discussed various measures
being undertaken to mitigate the potential impacts of El Nino on water supply in the city. Engr. Noriel Calpito, head
of the BWD Production and Distribution Division, mentioned several priority projects aimed at augmenting water supply, such as reducing non-revenue water and improving water supply to areas with historically low supply.

Calpito also said the BWD had undertaken rehabilitation efforts for open sources like the Sto. Tomas rain basin and the Busol rain basin which significantly contribute to the city’s water supply during periods of scarcity. He explained that these two water sources are reserved and not yet utilized, and to be used in times of increased demand such as during the influx of tourists in the city brought about by holidays and city celebrations.

Furthermore, he added that efforts to repair leaks and address illegal connections are already being undertaken to
minimize water losses from transmission lines particularly along key routes like Camp 6, Kennon Road, and Sto. Tomas. The BWD, according to Calpito, is also involved in watershed management programs like Adopt-aWatershed to protect and restore natural water sources which, in effect, contributes to long-term water sustainability.

Another measure in the works is the conduct of an active information and education campaign to raise public awareness about water conservation and efficient usage. Calpito said their information dissemination includes tapping official channels like the Baguio City Public Information Office and other social media platforms. Lastly, Calpito said the BWD had completed the drilling and commissioning of new well like the Zigzag Kennon Road well which is expected to augment water supply along Kennon Road and adjacent areas.

The BWD official assured the members of the city council that BWD has sufficient water production capacity to cater to residential and commercial water connections during peak seasons. Challenges in Regulating Private Village Aside from programs being undertaken in preparation for a possible El Nino, members of the city council also asked about the role of the BWD to regulate private wells in the city.

Fernando Peria, another BWD official, said that the BWD does not possess policing powers to enforce regulations. Calpito added that their office reports instances of deep wells to the National Water Resources Board which conducts its own inspections and submits reports. However, he emphasized that the BWD does not have direct regulatory
authority on private extraction. These challenges in regulating private wells is due to the limited authority of the BWD to enter private premises for inspections, he said.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda mentioned that there is a plan to regulate the drilling, maintenance, and operation of private wells through a proposed ordinance. The proposed measure may outline the roles of the BWD and the
barangay officials in policing the operation of deep wells. While supportive of this move, Calpito and Peria said the BWD has limited authority to enter private premises for inspections.

Highlighting the authority of water districts to adopt rules and regulations governing the drilling, maintenance, and
operation of deep wells as stipulated under Section 32 of Presidential Decree 198, Councilor Peter Fianza urged the BWD to review its powers comprehensively.

Jordan G. Habbiling/ABN