Baguio: The city government is reiterating its call for water-saving measures, especially after aquifers were found to have declining levels. "Let us conserve and preserve water. Reuse them if we can so that we can help each other ensure that we have ample supplies," said Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Baguio Water District (BWD), the water distribution utility service provider in Baguio and a member of the Technical Working Group on El Ni±o, confirmed that reduced groundwater levels in its aquifers are already affecting water supply in some areas of the city. Magalong said BWD reported that occasional afternoon rains are not enough to replenish the aquifers to safe and sustainable levels. "While rainfall may increase water in surface reservoirs, aquifers require one to two months of continuous rainfall to fully recharge," he said.

Most of BWD's water sources are deep wells or aquifers. The mayor also urged locals to prepare water containers to store rainwater from gutters, especially with the isolated rain showers frequently happening. "Pwede natin gamitin ito na pangbuhos o pandilig ng halaman para hindi na iyong galing sa BWD ang gamitin natin. Magtulungan tayo, kailangan natin ang bawat isa para ma-save natin ang tubig sa aquifers natin (We can use this to flush the toilet or water plants so we don't use BWD water for those purposes. Let us help each other. We need everyone to save water from our aquifers)," the mayor said in a media interview.

Aside from residents, the city government also urged visitors to support water conservation efforts by using water responsibly, immediately fixing or reporting leaks, and reusing or recycling water whenever possible. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecast a prolonged dry spell, which weather experts warn could intensify into a severe climate event referred to as a "Super El Ni±o" by June and may persist through the first quarter of 2027. The prolonged dry conditions could bring below-normal rainfall, extended dry spells, and higher temperatures, placing additional pressure on water resources.

The task force also reported that several water delivery establishments have brought to their attention the increased turbidity in groundwater being pumped out, particularly during nighttime.