Construction of three reservoirs here is about 97 percent complete, with linings being laid out to avoid seepage and collect water to boost supply during dry months.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was allocated PHP319.85 million for the four-year project at the Busol Watershed, eyed to store about 46,000 cubic meters (cu m) of rainwater to ensure continued supply for at least three months.

“When the three reservoirs are on their full capacity, these will ensure water supply for about 2,000 water concessionaires in 16 villages,” Keith Andrei Cacas, Water Utilities Management Officer of the Baguio Water District (BWD), the sole water utility distributor here, said in an interview Friday.

The first basin has a capacity of 26,320 cu m, the second, 14,250 cu m and the third 7,611 cu m.

Cacas said the three reservoirs are in the testing stage and being filled up with rain water.

The Busol watershed provides potable water to at least 10 percent of BWD clients in 16 of the 128 villages in the Aurora Hill and Pacdal sides of the city.

The BWD has a daily demand of 60,000 cu m but only 41,000 cu m of water is delivered to customers.

Baguio’s water demand rises during holidays and vacations when there are thousands of tourists, and due to the rapid urbanization of the Baguio-La Trinidad- Itogon- Sablan-Tuba and Tublay areas.

Data showed that during the peak tourism season, like the Baguio Flower Festival (Panagbenga), an additional 4,000 cu m of water is needed daily. (PNA)