by: Alexandria Mae M. Dacuycuy (University of Baguio Intern)
The familiar sound of air passing through dry pipes has become part of daily life for many Baguio residents, as water scarcity continues to shape household routines and financial priorities across the city.
While tourists visit Baguio for its cool climate and scenery, locals regularly monitor storage tanks and ration water use, treating the basic utility as a limited resource rather than a constant service.
The situation worsened in early 2025 following the implementation of a 30% water rate hike.
The increase drew strong reactions from consumers who said the higher fees did not translate into better service, but only larger bills for the same inconsistent supply.
When scheduled water deliveries fail, households turn to private water haulers, often at a steep price.
During the peak of the 2025 dry season, residents in areas such as Quirino Hill reported paying up to 135 pesos per drum, forcing families to shoulder both regular monthly bills and additional expenses for private deliveries.
Geography also plays a major role in who experiences the most severe shortages.
Communities located at higher elevations or at the end of distribution lines often receive weak water pressure, making it difficult for water to reach storage tanks before supply windows close.
At the start of 2026, some improvements have been reported following the development of new deep wells.
Areas including Slaughter, Magsaysay, and New Lucban Extension have shifted to a daily eight-hour supply, a major change from previous thrice-a-week schedules.
Other barangays are also seeing modest gains. Middle Rock Quarry, Morning Star, and Queen of Apostles now receive water three times a week for five hours, while central locations such as Avelino Street and San Roque have adjusted schedules of three times a week for four hours.
Quirino Hill, long considered one of the hardest-hit areas, now receives water four times a week for four hours.
While residents welcome the improvement, many remain cautious and continue to rely on private suppliers as backup.
Some communities such as Green Valley and San Luis continue to experience relatively stable supply due to their proximity to watersheds and private reservoirs, highlighting the uneven distribution across the city.
Despite ongoing infrastructure efforts, many residents say water storage remains their only real protection against unpredictable rationing.
For Baguio, the water crisis remains a story of gradual progress alongside lingering uncertainty, as households hope recent improvements will lead to lasting and equitable access for all.
