By Liza Agoot/PNA
BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Water District (BWD) has called on the public to practice water supply management to counter the effect of El Niño or dry spell now being experienced in the city, an official said Friday.
“Let’s keep it simple, use our available water supply wisely,” BWD general manager Salvador Royeca said.
Royeca said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in an advisory on February 20, announced that the weather pattern associated with reduced rainfall, is now affecting the Philippines. This could affect the water table where the BWD draws water from.
Aside from the locals, Royeca also called on tourists to observe water conservation.
The BWD also advised the public to use of dipper or pail when washing hands and use of basins when taking a bath, use of glass when brushing teeth, re-cycle used water for flushing toilets or watering plants, and inspect the water system of households or establishments for possible leaks.
He also reminded the public to store water using containers, such as tanks or drums to report water supply problem to the BWD’s complaints section for immediate action.
Royeca said BWD and its consumers should act proactively to lessen the effect of water shortage especially during the dry 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.
Mark Pasagoy, BWD information officer, said as early as the fourth quarter of 2018, BWD had already set its contingency and strategic measures to manage the water supply generation in time for the peak tourism months, which starts February to May and whole season of summer vacation.
Pasagoy said the BWD assures the available supply will be equally distributed to all consumers.
On the average, BWD produces an average of 58,000 cubic meters of water daily. The demand during the peak tourism season reaches 65,000 cubic meters or more daily.
The BWD commissioned Sto. Tomas Rain Basin to start storing water in 2018.
It also commissioned the additional deep wells in Tam-awan, South Drive, Military Cut-Off, and Busol Tip-Top to augment supply.
