BWD more worried on water supply during summer

THE officials of the Baguio Water District (BWD) said they are not worried on the water supply during Panagbenga Festival, but during summer months.

BWD assistant manager Salvador Royeca said the water district is not worried much on water supply this coming February as water resources remain at normal levels as of last month, compared to an expected decreased water source levels during the summer months especially during the Holy Week.

Royeca said it is during the summer months where water levels decrease in some 50 water sources currently supplying the city.

He said it is during the dry season when these water sources take time to be replenished and water supply has to be managed.

He said the Summer Capital continues its water rationing activities through announced schedules so that all areas get their share of water resources and to ensure water supply for the rest of the week.

He said the problems on water shortage occur when certain areas stock-up water in their tanks and storage facilities to ensure they have supply during scheduled water supply interruptions.

An unusual water shortage also occurs during power interruptions as well as when water lines are damaged by ongoing road constructions and infrastructure projects, he added.

He said major pumping stations in the city have standby generator sets to provide water supply even during power outages but he said several small pumping stations do not have such equipment. He added water pumping stations also rely heavily on electricity to operate pumps.

“Definitely during brownouts we experience some sort of water interruption because we adopt a certain rationing scheme. If in a certain day a specific area does not get their water supply there becomes an artificial high water demand because people store huge volumes of water in their tanks and storage containers,” he added.