Public told to prepare for expected decline in water supply

BAGUIO CITY — El Niño episodes are being experienced in the city at the moment, and consumers are encouraged to practice water supply management to counter this year’s forecast decline in water supply, the Baguio Water District (BWD) said.

BWD General Manager Salvador M. Royeca, in a statement on Thursday, called on stakeholders to keep an eye on the use of water 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. Royeca also said that BWD 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.

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, Royeca said.

PAGASA has recently issued El Niño Advisory No. 1 on February 20, 2019, stating that the weather pattern associated with reduced rainfall is now affecting the Philippines.

PAGASA also said that data on climate monitoring and analyses indicate that the unusually warm sea surface which started in November 2018 is already expected to become a full-blown El Niño.

Meanwhile, BWD has already set its contingency and strategic measures on the fourth quarter of 2018, 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 during the Holy Week in April.

“We will ensure that our available supply will be distributed equitably,” Royeca said.

He added that the completed rehabilitation of Sto. Tomas Rain Basin in 2018 and the commissioning of additional deep wells 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 also advised the public on various water-saving practices: the use of dipper or pail when washing hands; the use of basins when taking a bath; using glass or tumbler 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.

BWD is able to produce an average of 58,000 cubic meters of water daily however, during the dry season, water supply from groundwater sources is expected to decline gradually, Royeca said.

During peak periods, the demand for Baguio soars high to up to 65,000 cubic meters or more daily, Royeca added.

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 [email protected] or visit the Customer Relations Office (CRO) at 003 Purok BWD, Barangay Marcoville, DPS Compound.

MJSdelRosario/ABN

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