Baguio activates El Niño water plan

BAGUIO CITY — The city government has activated its El Niño Continuity Action Plan as Baguio enters the orange phase of water monitoring, stepping up conservation measures and preparations for a possible escalation to the red phase.

The plan outlines 12 priority measures involving city departments and partner agencies to protect water sources, reduce distribution losses, manage demand and ensure supplies for critical facilities and vulnerable sectors.

A public information campaign will provide daily water conservation advisories, supply updates and service disruption alerts to households and businesses through official channels.

The Baguio Water District, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Management Information Technology Division will also launch a weekly water stress dashboard to monitor water availability, supply conditions and pumping levels.

City authorities are tightening water demand management, particularly among high-volume commercial users such as tourism establishments, golf courses and car washes.

Infrastructure measures will include accelerated leak detection, prompt pipe repairs and system upgrades to minimize water losses.

The City Environment and Parks Management Office, together with the National Water Resources Board, will expand monitoring of critical water sources, springs and groundwater levels.

Officials are also assessing backup storage facilities in barangays to help ensure water supplies for hospitals, health centers, evacuation sites and fire stations.

Other measures include identifying alternative water sources, preparing contingency plans for the red phase and helping small and medium enterprises develop business continuity strategies.