Ground water output drops in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Water District (BWD) is implementing supply adjustments across several villages in Baguio City as groundwater production continues to decline, raising concerns over water availability amid the delayed onset of rains, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said.

Mr. Magalong said BWD General Manager Salvador Royeca reported a drop in the rated capacity of the city’s water sources to 75% this year from 82% during the same period in 2025. The decline has affected several supply segments, prompting the district to adopt measures to maintain water distribution.

Mr. Royeca said the impact would have been worse had BWD not developed additional deep wells in recent years. He noted that portions of the Quezon Memorial and Legarda areas are now being supplied by a new water source in Liwanag, Loakan, while more sources are expected to come online next year.

To strengthen groundwater management, Mr. Royeca reiterated BWD’s request for deputization from the National Water Resources Board, which would allow local authorities to monitor and regulate the extraction of underground water resources.

The district also plans to revive and expand its watershed ditch rehabilitation program to improve aquifer recharge and ensure the long-term sustainability of water sources.

Despite the challenges, Ms. Royeca said the previous El Niño episode had a more severe impact on water production. Mr. Magalong thanked the BWD chief for keeping the public informed and assured residents that the city government would continue coordinating with national agencies to address water supply concerns and bolster water resource management efforts. — Artemio A. Dumlao