Concrete plans needed to address water crisis in Baguio
This has reference to one of the front page stories in the April 2, 2023 issue of the Baguio Midland Courier about the water supply shortage in Baguio City.
The Baguio Water District and Mayor Benjamin Magalong were quoted about an impending water crisis when summer is only starting.
One reason both officials cited was because of the proliferation of unregulated private deep wells that deplete the city’s aquifers.
For me, these private wells and water deliveries should instead be commended for augmenting water distribution in this city, as BWD is incapable to supply the water needs of all barangays in the city.
It has been observed that commercial establishments are being prioritized in terms of delivery of water at the expense of the residents.
It was during the Covid-19 pandemic, or for the past several years, when we have low tourist arrivals that we had a more reliable water supply.
We understand that commercial users pay a premium rate compared to residential consumers and BWD needs revenue to sustain its operation.
With the impending water crisis, every drop counts and people must do their part to conserve and reuse water.
At present, the demand for water is high while many residents like us have to wait for one to two weeks before private water deliveries could reach our homes.
This situation will be a yearly occurrence in the future if the city government and BWD have no concrete plans to address this urban concern. — NAME WITHHELD, Baguio City