BAGUIO CITY—The city of Baguio has made significant progress in addressing its daily water demand gap of 60,000 cubic meters, especially critical during the peak tourism season, through the completion of five new deep wells. This development marks a pivotal step in enhancing the local water supply infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, BWD General Manager Engineer Salvador Royeca reported to the city government that the deep wells located in Kadaclan, Bakakeng Norte, Balacbac, Camp 7, and South Drive are now fully operational. “This is part of the continuing effort to boost the supply, especially with the growing demand that goes with an increase in population and economic activity,” Royeca stated during his update.
The completion of these wells comes at a substantial financial investment, with each well costing between PHP 6 million to PHP 10 million to drill. These new sources are expected to significantly bolster the city’s water supply, which previously fell short during periods of high demand. Prior to these additions, Baguio’s water supply reached approximately 45,000 cubic meters daily, facing a sharp increase in demand of at least 4,500 cubic meters during tourist seasons.
Each of the newly commissioned wells has the capacity to produce an average of 140 gallons per minute, adding to the output from 68 existing wells that already serve at least 90 percent of the city’s households. Royeca also highlighted ongoing projects, with eight more wells currently being drilled, some of which are expected to become operational within the year. These include projects in Richwood Subdivision in Guisad, Kisad, Ferguson, Happy Glen Loop, Slaughterhouse, Queen of Angels, Irisville Irisan, and Ciudad Grande Phase 2.
Further plans to expand the city’s water infrastructure include several projects that are set for bidding, aiming to further reduce the supply-demand gap in areas such as Wright Park, Purok 2 Irisan, Buyog 2, Old Lucban 2, and the M. Roxas 1 parallel deep well in the Pinsao Pilot Project watershed area, as well as plans for deepening the Montinola production well.
These initiatives underscore Baguio’s proactive approach in securing water resources for its growing population and bustling tourism industry, ensuring sustainability and reliability in its water service delivery.