Rains fill Burnham Lake, save Baguio P5M

BAGUIO CITY — Weeks of heavy rain brought an unexpected benefit to Baguio City, filling much of the newly rehabilitated Burnham Lake and potentially saving the local government around P5 million in water costs.

City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) chief Rhenan Diwas said more than two weeks of continuous rains brought by Tropical Storms Luis and Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon filled nearly three-fourths of the lake’s water requirement.

The accumulated rainwater spared the city from sourcing additional water ahead of the lake’s targeted reopening on 1 September.

Diwas said the water supply represents the city government’s contribution to the initial P100-million rehabilitation project funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). The project forms part of the broader P400-million rehabilitation of Burnham Park.

Around P5 million had been estimated for the lake’s water requirements.

CEPMO said rehabilitation work is nearly complete, with boating activities expected to resume once the lake reopens to residents and tourists.

Work began in October and was initially scheduled for completion in March, but unforeseen issues delayed the project as authorities worked to ensure safety standards were met.

The rehabilitation includes detention tanks installed at key locations around the lake. These filter incoming surface water to help maintain water quality suitable for recreational activities.

CEPMO is also studying which fish species could be introduced into Burnham Lake as an additional attraction for boaters and park visitors.