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T
HE Philippines is abundantly Under the Tapwatch Program of EMB,
endowed with water resources. It 88 shallow wells in depressed areas were
has 18 major river basins, 421 monitored in 2005. Of these, 24 percent
principal rivers, about 79 natural were found potable and 31 percent were not
lakes, and extensive coastline potable based on the Fecal Coliform standard.
that stretches 17,460 km. As of 2005, the The rest of the sites still require further
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) testing to conf irm potability. Suspected
has classified 62 percent of the 525 water sources of contamination are defective septic
bodies according to their intended beneficial tanks, garbage dumps, animal wastes, and
usage. Of these, only five are Class AA, which inadequately treated wastewater.
are intended for public water supply. Most of
the water bodies are classified as Class C, Rapid inventor y of pollution sources
intended for fishery, recreation, and supply revealed that domestic wastes are the major
for manufacturing processes. source of pollution (33%), followed by livestock
(29%) and industrial sources (27%). Non-point
From 2001 to 2005, the EMB through its sources of pollution account for 11 percent of
Regional Offices have monitored 238 water the organic load contribution to water bodies.
bodies either for classification or for regular
water quality monitoring. Depending on the In response to the growing problem in water
Regions’ resources, monitoring for these water quality, the government enacted the Philippine
bodies is done monthly or quarterly. Clean Water Act in 2004 and its Implementing
Rules and Regulations the year after. Praised
Monitoring results showed that about 47 for its innovations in water quality management,
percent of water bodies have annual average the Act and its IRR require integrated approach,
dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and
oxygen demand (BOD) levels that are within promotion of co-ownership of the water bodies.
the prescribed criteria for each classification.
Notably, seven priority rivers demonstrate However, water quality management in the
improvement in DO level with Imus River in country is still faced with the following key
Cavite showing the highest improvement of 77 challenges:
percent from the 2003 baseline data. Moreover,
Caraga’s four rivers have maintained to have Investments and Availability of Funds
the lowest BOD levels, signifying sustained Needed for Effective and Efficient
good water quality. Of the water bodies Enforcement
meant to be sources of drinking water supply, Building Capacity, Resources, and
only 20 percent meet the criterion for total Information Infrastructure for Water
suspended solids (TSS), confirming the effects Quality Monitoring
NN
of sand and gravel quarrying activities and Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms
runoff of sediments from denuded forests and and Sustaining Multi-Sectoral Participation WW
agricultural lands. in Water Quality Management
QQ
Water Quality Monitoring Information
Through the Beachwatch Program of through Networking, Data Sharing, and SS
EMB, 41 of the 57 priority bathing beaches Institutional Partnership
RR
were monitored in 2005. Results show that 61 Intensified Information, Education
percent passed the Fecal Coliform criterion and Communication Campaign on 2001–2005
2001–2005
of 200 MPN/100 mL for Class SB waters. Water Quality Management and the
Significantly, the coastal waters of Boracay Requirements of the CWA
have demonstrated improvement compared Enforcing Appropriate Land Use Plans
to the levels measured in 1997 as the Fecal
and Total Coliform levels from 2003 to 2005
meet the respective criterion in all monitoring
Protection of Water Bodies from Domestic
Waste Contamination
Management of Non-point Sources of
11
T
HE Philippines is an archipelagic countr y
consisting of 7,107 islands. It has an area of
300,000 square kilometers (sq km) wherein 65
percent of its towns are coastal. It is politically divided
into 17 regions, namely:
smelted in the country or exported as beneficiated ore
2 concentrates.
Water is also extensively used in power In view of the importance of clean water
generation. This is in line with the country’s to our economy and to public health, the
vision to use renewable and clean sources Philippines has been strengthening its
of energy, as stated in the 2005 Philippine policies and programs toward clean and safe
Energy Plan. Notably, hydrothermal and water. The Millennium Development Goals
geothermal sources contributed 33 percent of (MDG) underscore this importance by using
the total power mix in 2005 and is expected access to safe water as an indicator of our
to further increase in the future. country’s development. Altogether, these
magnify the overarching role of clean water
Tou r ism is a not her ke y e c onom ic in the environmental, institutional, economic,
activity that has found wealth in our water and social aspects.
N
FIGURE 1. Quantity and Value of Fish Production, 1998-2005.
W
2001–2005
3
T
HIS section introduces the water resources in the Philippines, efforts made on
water quality classification, and approaches used by the Environmental
Management Bureau (EMB) and other agencies to assess rivers, lakes, groundwater, and
coastal and marine waters.
LUZON
VISAYAS
National
Water
Quality
Status
Report
4 MINDANAO
Groundwater
In terms of groundwater, the
country has extensive reservoir
with an aggregate area of
about 50,000 sq km. It is
recharged by rain and seepage
from rivers and lakes. The N
Mines and Geoscience Bureau
W
(MGB) reported that favorable
groundwater basins are Q
underlaid by about 100,000 sq
Source: NWRC, 1976. S
km of various rock formations.
These are located in: R
Lakes
2001–2005
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Northeast Luzon
(BFAR) reports that there are 79 lakes in the Central Luzon
country, mostly utilized for fish production. Laguna Lake basin
In fact, 10 are considered major host for Cavite-Batangas-Laguna basin
aquaculture production (Table 2). Laguna Southeast Luzon 5
Lake is considered as the largest lake with a Mindoro Island
total area of 3,813.2 sq km (watershed area Negros Island
and lake proper). It is also considered as one Northeast Leyte
of the five largest lakes in Southeast Asia. Ormoc-Ka nanga basin
Lake Lanao, on the other hand, is the largest Agusan-Davao basin
lake in Mindanao and is one of 17 ancient Occidental Misamis basin
lakes on earth. Lanao-Bukidnon-Misamis basin
Overview of
Limited water supply for all small-scale
Water Bodies development is available in Panay, Cebu,
Bohol, Samar, Palawan, Basilan Islands,
and Water Zamboanga Peninsula, and the coastal
groundwater basins.
Classification
The MGB estimates that the country has
an annual water supply of 30 billion cubic
meters, which is almost 30 times the annual
domestic water supply requirement, assuming
an annual rainfall recharge of 0.3 meter.
However, most groundwater development is
within the upper 100 to 200 meters of various
formations. In Metro Manila, the deeper
Source: EMB Region 12
artesian aquifers are at 200 to 400 meters Source: EMB Region 12.
depth because of salt water intrusion at the
In view of the multiple uses of water, 133
upper portion of the ground formation.
water bodies have distinct classification in
their upstream, midstream, or downstream
Water Quality Classification sections. For instance, Marikina River in NCR
Water quality criteria are the benchmark is Class A in its upstream and Class C in its
against which monitoring data are compared downstream. In addition, Lipadas River in
to assess the quality of water bodies based on Region 11 has four classifications: Class AA in
established classifications. its upstream, Class A and B in its midstream,
and Class C in its downstream.
As of 2005, the EMB has classified 525
water bodies in terms of best usage and water Table 3 presents the breakdown of the
quality, representing 62.5 percent of the classified water bodies in the country. Of
inventoried water bodies in the country (2005). the classified inland surface water bodies,
Of these water bodies, 263 are principal rivers, five are Class AA. These are the upstreams
213 are minor rivers, 7 are lakes, and 42 are of Lipadas River in Davao City (Region 11),
coastal and marine waters (Figure 3). Baganga-Mahan-Ub River in Davao Oriental
(Region 11), Ginabasan River in Cebu (Region
Water
Quality
Status
Report
6
Note: There are 133 water bodies with two or more classification.
Source: EMB, 2005.
2001–2005
7
P
HILIPPINE water quality is assessed based on the set beneficial use as defined in the
DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 34, Series of 1990. Under this DAO, there are 33
parameters that define the desired water quality per water body classification. Accordingly,
a water body must meet all the criteria of each applicable parameter 100 percent of the time
to maintain its designated classification. In the absence of a water quality index, an interim
methodology based on compliance to DAO 90-34 water quality criteria is used for all surface
waters. Parameters monitored include:
Water movement - The more movement Forty percent recorded fair water quality,
in water, the more oxygen is dissolved. almost half of which comply with the DO
Temperature - Low temperatures can criterion. However, certain sampling instances
8 hold more DO than high temperatures. exhibited exceedances, particularly during the
Pollution - Decreases oxygen dry season.
concentrations because of effluent or
runoff water with constituents that have The remaining 13 percent showed poor
high oxygen demand to decompose. water quality. These are the four rivers in
NCR—San Juan River, Parañaque River,
Of the 196 monitored inland surface Navotas-Malabon-Tullahan-Tinejeros River,
waters, only 127 meet the required four and Pasig River; Guadalupe River in Region
sampling events, as described in Box 1. Using 7; Meycauayan and Bocaue Rivers in Region
the methodology for DO, approximately 47 3, and Calapan River in Region 4B.
FIGURE 5. DO Compliance Rating of the Monitored complying with the criterion in 2005. Other
Water Bodies in the Philippines, 2001–2005. rivers with improvement are: Balili River in
CAR, Ylang-ylang River in Region 4A, Anayan
and Malaguit Rivers in Region 5, and Iloilo
River in Region 6. Unfortunately, despite the
improvements, Balili, Ylang-ylang, and Iloilo
Rivers still did not meet the criterion.
2001–2005
9
Notes:
• Decrease in DO is equivalent to lowering of average DO concentration from the 2003 levels.
• Improved DO levels indicate that river quality is getting better.
Source: EMB, 2005.
Water
Biochemical Oxygen Demand There are three rivers (Guadalupe River
Quality BOD determines the amount of ox ygen in Region 7, Balili River in CAR, and San
required for the decomposition of organic Juan River in NCR), which recorded zero
Assessment matter from a pollution source. The demand percent compliance of all samples with the
for oxygen does not occur directly where the BOD criterion. The San Juan River recorded
effluent or runoff water is discharged, but is an average BOD of 40 mg/L from 2001 to
manifested somewhere downstream where 2005.
decomposition finally occurs. Thus, higher
BOD value indicates more pollution. Table 5 presents the change in BOD levels
of the 19 priority rivers in the country from
Of the 107 water bodies that meet the 2003 to 2005. Signs of improvement are noted
requirements in Box 1, about 47 percent in nine priority rivers. These are:
(Figure 6) were found to show good water
quality. Lowest BOD levels were recorded Marikina, San Juan, and Parañaque
at the four rivers in Caraga (Taganito, Rivers in NCR
Magallanes, Taguibo, and Bislig Rivers) with Bocaue River in Region 3
BOD levels below 1 mg/L, implying that Ylang-ylang River in Region 4A
there are low organic pollution sources from Calapan River Region 4B
surrounding areas. Anayan River in Region 5
Luyang and Sapangdaku Rivers in
In addition, about 41 percent show fair Region 7
water quality while the remaining 12 percent
have poor water quality. The highest BOD However, despite the improvement in
was recorded at the downstream section BOD levels, only Bocaue River had significant
of Bulua Creek in Region 10. This signifies improvement to comply with the criterion.
high organic discharges from manufacturing Calapan, Luyang, and Sapangdaku Rivers
facilities, runoff from livestock production, have BOD levels complying with the criterion
and discharges from households. since 2003. The rest still have BOD levels
exceeding the criterion particularly rivers
in NCR.
FIGURE 6. BOD Compliance Rating per Water Body Classification.
Not ably, i mprovements i n
BOD levels are attributed to the
industry regulatory programs and
continuous monitoring activities of
EMB, in close coordination with
LGUs and other stakeholders.
National
10
Biochemical oxygen
demand, or BOD, measures the
amount of oxygen consumed by
microorganisms in decomposing
organic matter in stream water.
BOD directly affects the amount
of dissolved oxygen in rivers and
streams. The greater the BOD, the
* more rapidly oxygen is depleted
in the stream. This means less
oxygen is available to higher forms
of aquatic life. The consequences
*
of high BOD are similar as those
* for low dissolved oxygen: aquatic
organisms become stressed,
suffocated, and died.
Notes:
• *Compared with the 2004 BOD sampling results due to the lack of monitoring data in 2003.
• Reduction in BOD signifies improvement in water quality while increase in BOD means decrease in water
quality.
Source: EMB, 2005.
classified as Class C
and must maintain a
11
BOD level of not more
than 7 mg/L. Based
on monitoring results
from 2001 to 2005,
the annual average Average BOD of Pasig River at various stations based on monitoring results from 2001 to 2005.
BOD level of the River system still shows stress brought by pollution load into the river. Highest BOD levels are
apparent at the Sanchez Station, located near the mouth of the San Juan River. However, signs of improvement
in BOD at monitoring stations in Bambang and Marikina were noted in 2005 when compared with the BOD
levels in 2003 and 2004.
Forty-six monitored Class AA/A water The high percentage of exceedances to the
bodies meet the requirements in Box 1. Of TSS criteria for Class AA/A waters confirm the
these, two water bodies have two classifications. effects of sand and gravel quarrying activities
These are Nagan and Baganga-Mahan-ub and runoff of sediments from denuded forests
Rivers. Hence, a total of 48 classifications and agricultural lands.
for 46 water bodies. About 23 percent have
good water quality (Figure 7). These are: Among all regions endowed with Class
Nagan (upstream and downstream), Akutan, AA/A waters, Region 10 has the most number
and Tanudan Rivers in CAR; Laoag River in (10) of water bodies affected by increased TSS
Region 1; Mabayuan River in Region 3; Saaz (Table 6). This is followed by Region 11 with
and Patalon Rivers in Region 9; Sibulan six, Regions 3, 6, 12, and CAR with three each,
and Manurigao Rivers in Region 11; and Region 9 with two, and the remaining regions
National
Cabadbaran River in Caraga. with one each.
Water
Quality
TABLE 6. Level of Compliance to TSS Criteria.
Status
Report
12
FIGURE 8. TDS Compliance Rating of the Monitored Thirty monitored Class AA/A water bodies
Water Bodies in the Philippines, 2001–2005. meet the requirements in Box 1. Of these,
three water bodies have two classifications;
hence, a total of 33 classifications. About 55
percent have good TDS levels while 42 percent
have fair TDS levels. Only Marilao River has
poor water quality, with annual average TDS
levels ranging from 1,785 to 3,265 mg/L.
business enterprises, and private individuals.
If done unsustainably, water quality problems
13
caused by quarrying, particularly pollution,
siltation, and sedimentation in some quarrying
areas can be extensive. Source: www.geocities.com/sogodbay/subangdaku.html
Such situations call for effective control mechanisms, stringent policies implemented in the LGU level, and
efficient monitoring of environmental conditions in the quarry sites. An important monitoring tool is a database
of quarry sites, which includes information on the reserves in all river beds, control map of concession areas,
volume allowed and actual extraction, period of operation, water quality of the river, and activities in the
surrounding area.
Water
Heavy Metals
Quality Heavy metals in ionic form are soluble in
water. When discharged into water bodies,
Assessment they settle in sediments at the bottom of
rivers and eventua lly into bays. These
metals become pollutants when they occur
in concentrations large enough to have an
adverse effect on the ecosystem and public
health. In concentrations higher than those
specified to maintain healthy waterways,
heavy metals can become toxic to aquatic
life and harmful to people who consume
contaminated seafoods.
14
basis of these findings, the LGU-Monkayo
approved Municipal Ordinance No. 96-05
and enforced the environmental rules and
regulations provided for under Republic Act
(RA) 7942. Since then, the concentration
levels of mercury in some locations have
improved while other areas still need to
be rectified.
Source: DENR-MGB.
Water
C y a n i d e l e v e l s i n m o st s a mp l i n g LLDA records show that algal bloom in
locations were within limits. However, MGB Laguna Lake is often associated with blue- Quality
Region 11 reported in December 2003 that green algae Microcystis aeruginosa. There are
mercury levels were found to be beyond also records of bloom caused by Oscillatoria Assessment
the 0.002 mg/L criterion in filtered water sp. and Anabaena sp. The high concentration
sa mples in some monitor ing locat ions of nitrogen and phosphorus in water and calm
in Naboc River. Likewise, cyanide were weather conditions during summer favor the
detected in the mixing zone at Sitio Deptro, rapid multiplication of algae.
Upper Ulip.
The Lake supports 34 species of zooplankton
Cont i nuous monitor ing of mercur y (water flea, fairy shrimp, or “kuto”) belonging
and cyanide levels in rivers and creeks to three major groups as: Rotifera, Cladocera,
traversing Small Scale Mining Areas in and Copepoda. The Rotifera is the most diverse
some parts of Eastern Mindanao is being (23 species), followed by Cladocera (7 species)
undertaken by the MGB and EMB. Recent and Copepoda (4 species). Brachionus has the
repor ts showed merc u r y a nd c ya n ide most number of species while the rest of the
levels within the set criteria in any of the genera have one or two species.
filtered water samples taken from parts of
Hijo, Masara, Kingking, Manat, Matiao, Animals inhabiting the substratum of
Napnapan, and Agusan Rivers. the Lake, otherwise called benthic fauna or
benthos, are in Figure 9.
Biological Monitoring (Laguna Lake)
Very limited information is available about
biological monitoring of water bodies. Of all FIGURE 9. Benthos in Laguna Lake.
the lakes in the country, Laguna Lake is the
most frequently monitored.
that... S
R
• plankton and benthos
are often used as Sources: www.nies.go.jp, www.acadweb.wwu.edu, Hazel Caasi.
2001–2005
bio-indicators in monitoring water quality because of their responsiveness to various changes in environmental
conditions and their sensitivity to stresses?
• plankton are small plants (phytoplankton), animals (zooplankton), and bacteria that live in open water and are
transported only by the currents? Plankton are the number one food source for fish in lakes, being the base of
the food web in our aquatic ecosystems. And since plankton are highly sensitive to environmental change, they 15
are excellent indicators of water quality and lake conditions. When there are high concentrations of nitrogen and
phosphorus in the lake, some plant plankton reproduce rapidly.
• benthos include animals inhabiting in sediments or living in other available bottom substrates of freshwater,
estuarine and marine systems. Examples of these are insect larvae, aquatic snails, beetles, shrimps, and
mussels. Caddisflies (Trichoptera) and mayflies (Ephemeroptera) belong to the most sensitive groups of benthos.
Such organisms are often absent even at mild levels of organic pollution. Midge larvae (Diptera) and worms
(Oligochaeta), on the other hand, can tolerate low DO and high organic pollution; thus can be indicative of poor
water quality.
Groundwater FIGURE 10. Results of Coliform Monitoring in Groundwater
by EMB under the Tapwatch Program.
Protecting groundwater quality
is critical to ensure continuous
supply of potable water. Similarly,
preventing groundwater
contamination is important
considering the difficulties and
cost requirements in remediating
contaminated groundwater.
16
Results of
trace metal
determination
in groundwater
Cities and municipalities have been ap-
proving plans and specifications of buildings
and other structures with open-bottom septic
from wells tanks, in accordance to the Sanitation Code
showed that of the Philippines. Open-bottom septic tanks
the levels
and leaching tile fields allow accumulated
of lead and
cadmium Source: PNRI, 2005. human wastes to percolate downward and
were below the detection limits of 0.005 mg/L for contaminate groundwater.
lead and 0.002 mg/L for cadmium. These values
are below the maximum allowed levels of 0.01
mg/L and 0.003 mg/L for lead and cadmium,
respectively.
Water
Nitrates Salinity (Chloride Content)
Nitrates in sampled shallow wells indicate Groundwater in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu Quality
possible groundwater pollution. The PNSDW is affected by saline water as determined by
limits nitrate levels to 50 mg/L. In Metro the increasing chloride content in water. Assessment
Cebu, groundwater samples taken from 25 Excessive groundwater withdrawal results to
wells by NWRB in 2004 had nitrate values of the lowering of water levels that subsequently
about 30 mg/L. The highest nitrate level (80 cause landward movement of seawater. Present
mg/L) was recorded in San Vicente, Liloan. groundwater level maps indicate degenerating
Sources of nitrate contamination are leaching condition based on monitoring from 1994 to
from septic tanks, municipal garbage dumps, 2004. The greatest decline in water level of 80
and fertilizer runoffs. Based on the Sanitation to 100 meters was experienced in the Pasig-
Code of the Philippines, community wells for Taytay area in Metro Manila. In Metro Cebu,
water supply should be constructed not less water levels in the well fields of Mandaue and
than 25 meters from septic tanks. Consolacion lie as much as 20 meters below
sea level.
From 2001 to 2002, the MGB Region 12
monitored selected stations in the region. Eight sites within Metro Manila and
Monitoring results showed that all stations immediate vicinities have been identified by
met the 50 mg/L standard for nitrates. NWRB as in need of urgent attention because
However, nitrates were detected in 15 percent of over-abstraction that would further induce
of the stations. The highest recorded nitrate saltwater intrusion. These are the cones of
value was 8 mg/L at Barangays Lambingi, depression located in the following areas:
Banga, Buto, Tantangan in South Cotabato;
and Poblacion and Malapatan in Sarangani. Guiguinto
Bocaue-Marilao
Meycauayan-North Caloocan
Navotas-Caloocan-West Quezon City
Makati-Mandaluyong-Pasig-Pateros
Conceptual Model of Groundwater Pollution
Parañaque-Pasay
Las Piñas-Muntinlupa
Dasmariñas, Cavite
2001–2005
17
Source:http://www.euwfd.com/html/groundwater.html
Water
Coastal and Marine Waters FIGURE 12. Average DO in Various Stations in Sarangani Bay.
Quality With over 60 percent of the population living
along coastlines and depending on coastal and
Assessment marine resources for livelihood, protecting
and preserving the quality of coastal and
marine waters are of paramount importance
in assuring sustainable development. Aside
from food production, the beauty of these
waters are the country’s prime asset in
building the tourism industry.
Dissolved Oxygen
Of the 26 coastal and marine water bodies Source: EMB, 2005.
monitored that meet the requirements in Box
1, about 54 percent (Figure 11) still have good Coliform
water quality while the remaining 46 percent Coliform are good indicators of other disease-
show fair water quality. Average DO of all causing bacteria or organisms in water. It is
water bodies complied with the criterion of 5 a popular indicator for water potability and
mg/L except for the Cansaga Bay in Region 7. is equally important for water bodies that
This Bay registered an average of 4.7 mg/L in are used for contact recreation (swimming,
2002. There is no coastal and marine water bathing, etc.), as high coliform levels may
body rated as “poor”. cause diseases to the users, i.e., swimmers.
Total and Fecal Coliform are two common
expressions for measuring coliform. Of more
FIGURE 11. DO Compliance Rating of Monitored significance is Fecal Coliform since it indicates
Coastal and Marine Waters. the presence of the bacteria Escherichia coli (E.
coli), disease-causing agents that cause many
water-borne diseases.
18
and other marine resources. The 2001 to
2005 monitoring results for Sarangani Bay
generally show compliance as the annual
averages are all within their respective
criterion (Figure 12). However, it is evident
that the DO of the Bay is slowly decreasing.
Annual averages of all Class SB and SC
stations have decreased by 21 and 7 percent,
respectively.
Assessment
the full implementation of a
proper sewerage system to 19
prevent water-borne and water-
related diseases. Hence, the
commencement of Boracay’s
two water utilities: the Boracay
Tubi System, which began
operating in 1999, and the
Boracay Water and Sewerage
System in January 2002. Source: EMB Region 6, 2006.
As a result, annual average geometric means of the Fecal and Total Coliform count from 2003 to 2005 met the
criteria for Class SB in all monitoring stations. Subsequently, tourist arrivals in the province of Aklan escalated to
428,751 in 2004, and further increased to 499,452 in 2005.
Water
Heavy Metals
Quality Heavy metals accumulate mostly in sediments
and eventually enter the food chain. Heavy
Assessment metals monitored in coastal and marine
waters include: mercury, lead, copper, and
cadmium.
National
Water FIGURE 14. Monitoring Results of Mercury for Selected Coastal and Marine Waters.
Quality
Status
Report
20
consisting of two replicates for control and five test concentrations. Fish were scooped out randomly from
Q
the acclimation basin and 10 were placed randomly into each test jar. Sample of the test jar solutions were
analyzed to determine actual concentrations of the toxicant. Mortalities were recorded for 1, 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, S
and 96-hour observations and testings for DO, pH, salinity, and water temperature were conducted. Mortalities
after 96-hour exposure and the actual concentrations of the toxicant were used in the determination of the R
LC50 values using the EFFL software. Toxicity test results showed the following ranges of 96-hour LC50 values
2001–2005
for the test substances:
Test Substance Lowest 96-hr LC50 Value* Highest 96-hr LC50 Value*
Mercury 0.006 mg Hg/L 0.179 mg Hg/L
Cadmium
Arsenic
Nitrate
**8.57 mg Cd/L
41.83 mg As/L
140.99 mg NO3/L
32.71 mg Cd/L
311.38 mg As/L
373.30 mg NO3/L
21
* Spearman-Karber Method
** 95% Lower and Upper Confidence Limits
The LC50 values indicated decreasing toxicity of the test substances to milkfish fry with mercury being the
most toxic (0.006 mg Hg/L) and nitrate being the least toxic (140.99 mg NO3/L). Toxicity testing activities are
on-going, further tests are envisioned using more test organisms and substances. The results of these testing
are important in rationalizing the water quality criteria for coastal and marine waters.
Water
Sources of Pollution Alternatives to conventional sewage
Quality Water pollution occurs when a water body is treatment are now being introduced. Wetlands
adversely affected due to the addition of large are being designed to serve as simple and
Assessment amounts of foreign materials into water. In low-cost wastewater treatment plants that use
general, when it is unfit for its intended use, natural processes for filtration and cleaning.
water is considered polluted. There are two Partially treated sewage can also be used for
general types of pollution: point source and fish propagation.
non-point source. Point source means any
identifiable pollution source with specific Waste minimization also offers potential
discharge point into a particular water savings. Companies that have instituted
body. Examples include discharges from a cleaner production (CP) efforts have been
wastewater treatment plant or septic tanks.
Non-point sources, on the other hand, have FIGURE 16. Pollution from Key Potential Sources.
no identifiable source and include runoff from Non-Point Sources
irrigation or rainwater that picks up pollutants 11% Domestic Sources
from farms and urban areas. 33%
Industry
Point Sources
Most surface and coastal waters are under 27%
severe environmental stress from point sources
of pollution. Human settlements, farming, and
industry all contribute to pollution of water
bodies. Using BOD as the measure of pollution
load, it is estimated that 3.8 million MT of BOD
was generated by pollution sources in 2005.
Agriculture-Livestock
Nitrate pollution, primarily from
22 fertilizers and animal manures
Water
Non-Point Sources
Non-point sources are runoffs from urban, Computation of Pollution Quality
agricultural, and forestry activities. Using Load Contribution
the current land use, the estimated annual Assessment
pollution from non-point sources is 435,000 Domestic (Municipal) BOD Contribution.
Calculated by differentiating the urban and rural
MT of BOD. This estimate excludes runoffs
population per region (based on year 2000
from land fills and dumpsites. Agricultural population projected to year 2005) and applying
runoff contributes about 74 percent, followed the following BOD factors:1
by forest runoff (23%) and urban runoff (3%).
Figure 17 presents the pollution from key Urban – 53 grams BOD per person per day
non-point sources. Rural – 37 grams BOD per person per day
THE LAGUNA Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has been assessing the impact of various development activities on the S
water quality of Laguna Lake and its connecting river systems.
R
Fifteen out of 22 major rivers draining into the Lake are being monitored by the LLDA. Results show that based on annual
2001–2005
averages, the rivers in the northern industrialized areas are highly polluted, while those in the less industrialized portions
of South and East Bays are complying with the BOD criterion.
Pangil, Bay, Sta. Cruz, and Pagsanjan Rivers showed annual average concentrations that consistently passed the
Class C DO criterion of 5 mg/L minimum for fishery over the five-year period (2001–2005). Marikina, Mangangate,
Tunasan, San Pedro, Cabuyao, San Cristobal, San Juan, Siniloan, and Sapang Baho Rivers showed non-compliance.
Water quality in five sampling points of the Lake is monitored for similar parameters. BOD concentration in all stations
23
consistently met the Class C BOD criterion during the five-year monitoring
period. The increasing trend in BOD from 2002 to 2004 was attributed to the
Pasig River backflow, which was significant in 2004. DO concentration was
above the minimum limit of 5 mg/L throughout the monitoring period.
The results of the Waste Load Model showed that in 2004, about 77 percent of
BOD load in the Laguna de Bay came from households, 11 percent from industry,
and 12 percent from land runoff. Excessive BOD levels lead to oxygen depletion,
which in turn leads to death of fishes. Other parameters monitored by the LLDA
include: Total Coliform count, nitrogen load, and total phosphorus.
Source: LLDA, 2005
Water
Major Water-Related Incidents The estimated total damage is around PhP 423
Quality From 2001 to 2005, several water-related million. Another minor fish kill was reported
incidents occurred that impact water quality in Dalipuga, Iligan in the same year. In 2003,
Assessment and ultimately water resources. These include a fish kill in Ilagan, Isabela resulted to more
oil/chemical spills and illegal dumping of than PhP 4.9 million damage.
wastes, which resulted in fish kills and water
body contamination. In a case study on the influence of
mariculture activities on Cape Bolinao in
Oil Spills
FIGURE 18. Chemical and Oil Spill Incidents from 2001–2005.
Records from
the Philippine
Coast Guard
(PCG) from
2001 to
2005 showed
a relatively
constant
trend of oil
spill incident,
except in
2001 and
2005 where
huge volume
of spills were
recorded
(Figure 18).
Twenty-five
percent of the
spills were
due to illegal
discharges, Source: PCG, 2005.
22 percent
were caused
by accidental discharges and overflow, 6 Pangasinan, it was found that the increase
percent from leakages, another 6 percent and expansion of mariculture activities are
from ship sinking, and 13 percent were reflected in the changes in water quality over
undetermined. Other reasons (28%) include the years. Prior to a major fish kill in 2002,
National
pipe bursting and other container failures. there have been increases in: ammonia (110%),
Water nitrite (30%), nitrate (25%), phosphate (400%),
In December 2005, an oil spill incident TSS (222%); and chlorophyll-a (140%). The
Quality
occurred within the vicinity of Sitio Bubog, said fish kill incident was attributed to the die-
Status Brgy. Semirara, Caluya, Antique. Around off of a dinoflagellate bloom associated with
210,000 L of oil and fuel were released, nutrient-rich waters, and the high organic
Report
affecting 236 hectares (ha) of mangrove areas, loading from unconsumed fish feeds.
40 sq m of marine forest areas, and 5 km of
the Semirara Island shoreline.
Fish Kills
24
Dumping of organic wastes in the sea resulted
to fish kill and sudden increase of E.coli
in Zamboanga in 2004. This affected three
barangays and caused health problems to
127 victims.
Q
Box 8. Addressing Abandoned Mine Sites
S
THROUGH a technical assistance from World Bank (WB), MGB initiated the semi-detailed assessment of R
22 abandoned/inactive mine sites in the country from 2000 to 2002. One of the key objectives of the
assessment was to assess water pollution, water availability, and hydrological impacts resulting from 2001–2005
the mines’ operations. Using risk-based assessment, prioritization of the 22 sites was established and
appropriate rehabilitation/remediation plans were formulated including estimated cost. More importantly,
the study was used to document lessons learned and provide policy recommendations.
26
Source: WB Water and Sanitation Program – East Asia and the Pacific, 2003.
Water
In November 2004, the WHO reported that
88 percent of diarrhea cases are attributable Did you Quality
to unsafe water supply and inadequate know
sanitation and hygiene. With improved
that... Assessment
sanitation or sewerage systems, the incidence
of diarrhea is expected to be reduced by about • septic tanks
32 percent. In addition, improved hygiene only serve as
education and promotion of hand-washing preliminary
can further reduce diarrhea cases by 45 treatment
percent. systems
and require
regular
The status of urban sanitation in the pumping
Philippines reveals the lack of programs or out to remove excessive sludge or scum
investments in sewerage and sanitation. before it accumulates and reduces
Despite the WHO’s report on the need for settling efficiency?
improvement in sanitation as the most
effective mean to reduce diarrheal diseases, • the Manila Water Company and Maynilad
Water Services provide free septic tank
investments in urban sanitation in the
desludging services as part of their
Philippines total only 1.5 percent of that spent sanitation program? These septage or
on urban water supply. semi-liquid wastes from septic tanks
are transported to septage treatment
Without signif icant improvement in plants before releasing them to rivers and
domestic wastewater management, it will streams.
continue to become the largest contributor to Source: MWSS, 2005
pollution loading.
27
Source: www.southeastwater.com.au/sew/
Water Quality Management Policies and Programs
T
HIS section discusses the legal and policy issuances on water quality management,
updates on the implementation of the Philippine Clean Water Act (CWA) of 2004 and
its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and programs and initiatives of government
agencies, institutions, and donor agencies in improving water quality in the country.
DAO 1994-26A (Philippine Standards
demonstrate their compliance with for Drinking Water 1993). Amended
28
environmental regulations to include the 1978 National Standards for
Presidential Decree (PD) 984, PD 1586, Drinking Water specifying the
RA 6969, and RA 8749; and (2) Requires requirements for the acceptable values
DENR to confirm that firms comply with of parameters in measuring water
environmental regulations. quality. The standard delineated values
2004-3, Series of 2004 (IRR for
Resolution No. 191, Series of Provides for the implementing guidelines
29
2003. Provides the framework for pursuant to RA 3931, PD 984, PD
implementing the EUFS for fastfood 600, and PD 979 as rationalized in
stores, restaurants, and similar accordance with the International
establishments within the Laguna Lake Convention for Prevention of Pollution
Region. from Ships, MARPOL 73/78.
Water
P C G M e m o r a n d u m C i r c u l a r 0 1- PCG Memorandum Circular 04-05
Quality 05 (Revised Rules on Prevention, (Accreditation of Oil Water Separators,
Containment, Abatement, and Control of Oil Containment, Recovery and
Management Marine Pollution). Provides implementing Dispersal Equipment and Chemical
guidelines pursuant to the above- Dispersant). Prescribes the procedures for
Policies and mentioned authorities as rationalized the accreditation of chemical dispersant,
in accordance with the International oil containment, recovery dispersal
Programs Convention for the Prevention of Pollution equipment and oil separators; prescribes
from ships, MARPOL 73/78. requirements to be observed by the
PCG Memorandum Circular 02-05 subjects of this circular, and to impose the
(Prevention of Pollution by Garbage corresponding sanctions for its violation.
from Ship). Provides implementing rules PCG Memorandum Circular 07-05
to prevent pollution by garbage from ships (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from
within the territorial and archepelagic Ships). Provides implementing rules to
waters of the Philippines. prevent pollution by sewage from ships.
PCG Memorandum Circular 03-05 PCG Memorandum Circular 01-06 (Rules
(Rules and Regulations for Tank Prohibiting the Dumping of Wastes
Cleaning Operations and the Collection and other Harmful Matters). Prescribes
and Disposal of Diluted Oil and the procedures and policies for the proper
Other Substances). Applies to all tank dumping of wastes and other harmful
cleaning operations and the collection and matters into Philippines waters to prevent
disposal of diluted oil within the territorial pollution which may create hazards to
jurisdiction of the Philippines. human health, marine life, and other
resources; damage amenities; or interfere
with other legitimate uses of the sea.
Initially, the DENR has established the use of BOD or TSS as the priority
National
pollutant parameters in the computation of the wastewater discharge fee. The
Water
steps in computing for the wastewater discharge fee are as follows:
Quality
Step 1: Compute for the net concentration of priority pollutant (mg/L)
Status
Net concentration = (Concentration of Effluent) – (Concentration of Intake Water)
Report
Annual Flowrate = [Ave. daily effluent flowrate, m3/day] x [No. of discharge days per year]
Net Waste Load (kg/year) = [Net Concentration, mg/L] x [Annual Flowrate, m3/year] x 0.001
Step 4: Compute for the Wastewater Discharge Fee using PhP5.00/kg as fee per kg of pollutant
Management
Policies and
Programs
2001–2005
31
Legend:
no action
initial steps
outcome evident
Water
Water Quality Management Programs
Quality
Water quality management in the Philippines Fully implement the Ecological Solid
is spearheaded by the EMB of DENR. Other Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and
Management
bureaus and attached agencies of DENR like the CWA
the MGB, LLDA, NWRB, Forest Management Continue classification of unclassified
Policies and
Bureau (FMB), and Coastal and Marine water bodies nationwide
Management Office (CMMO) are likewise Improve river water quality by
Programs
water quality managers. In support to the implementing the Sagip-Ilog Program
DENR’s mandate, other government agencies, Conduct water pollution discharge
financing institutions, and donor agencies inventory on point and non-point
have also implemented programs and activities sources
on water quality management. Monitor industrial effluent of all
industries
Department of Environment and Continuously implement the Tapwatch
Natural Resources (DENR) Program to assist priority communities
in improving drinking water quality in
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). all 320 urban barangays nationwide
To meet its objectives of improving the quality Continuously pursue the “Beachwatch”
of the country’s water bodies, particularly program on beaches frequently visited
the 19 priority water bodies, the EMB is by local and foreign tourists
implementing the following programs and Conduct of Information, Education and
activities: Communication (IEC) campaigns on
water quality management
32
on the CWA
Produced a 60-seconder television plug on clean water aired on television channels nationwide
Produced 4,000 copies of instructional poster calendar on the CWA (“Save Water…Save Lives”)
Produced 15,000 copies each of English and Filipino versions of the Environmental Information Sheets on the CWA
Co-organized with the WB, on-the-spot poster making and essay writing contests on “Save Water…Save Lives”
Conducted clean up in different esteros in the country, alongside “Bawas Balot, Bawas Basura” campaigns in selected markets
nationwide
Co-organized with the Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management,
a national assembly on water resources management with the theme: Conserving Our Water Resources: The Challenges for the
Academe
Recognized 40 laboratories nationwide, covering 27 parameters for water and wastewater
Surveyed 24 major dumpsites across the country, collected leachate and groundwater samples, and subsequently
analyzed for physico-chemical, metals, and organics
Water
Quality
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). To Forest Management Bureau (FMB). Mandated
complement EMB’s programs on water quality to provide support for the effective protection,
management while pursuing its vision towards Management
development, occupancy management, and
responsible mineral resources development, conservation of forest lands and watersheds.
the MGB implemented the following programs Policies and
One of its programs that impact water quality
and projects: improvement is the formulation of a national
Programs
watershed management strateg y and a
Mining environment and protection
long-term program of investments for the
program. Forty-nine (49) river systems
sustainable management of watersheds. Key
covering 442 ha of areas affected by
outputs of the program include:
operating/abandoned mines were
assessed for water quality in 2004 for
future rehabilitation/enhancement Handbook on Philippine Strategy
programs. for Improved Watershed Resources
Groundwater assessment. As of 2004, Management
a total of 37,520 ha were covered by Guideline for Watershed Resource
groundwater surveys to identify possible Management and Development
sources of groundwater to support the National Watershed Information System
future needs of communities for domestic Preparation of Watershed Plans
and agricultural uses.
Other important milestones include the
Laguna Lake Development Authority conduct of survey and mapping, establishment
(LLDA). As the water quality manager of of soil control measures, and enrichment of
Laguna Lake, the LLDA is implementing riverbank stabilization.
several programs and projects to preserve
and protect the lake. LLDA’s water quality Coastal and Marine Management Office
management milestones are as follows:
(CMMO) . Mandated to be the nationa l
coordinating office of DENR for coastal and
Issued 678 discharge permits in 2005,
marine resource environment management
a 100 percent increase compared to
issuances in 2001 and development. Since its establishment,
BOD and DO concentrations of the CMMO has:
lake consistently met the water quality
criteria for Class C water Formulated the Integrated Coastal
Twelve out of 24 microwatersheds have Management Framework
undergone the Laguna de Bay Watershed Organized “Month of the Ocean” and
Environmental Action Planning “International Coastal Clean-up”
process resulting to the identification celebrations N
of 17 sub-projects on ecotourism, solid Coordinated all DENR programs and
waste management, and wastewater projects related to coastal and marine W
Groundwater, and Water Quality (2000– Management for the Seas of
2001) East Asia and the Manila Bay 33
Water Resources Assessment for Prioritized Environmental Management Project
Critical Areas (2004) • USAID-Assisted Ecogovernance
National Water Information Network Phase Program (Coastal Component)
1 and 2 (2000-2004)
Water
Other Government Agencies
Quality
Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission
Management (PRRC). Created by virtue of Executive Order
(EO) 54, as amended by EO 65 in January
Policies and 1999. The PRRC is composed of government
agencies, private sectors, and non-government
Programs organizations (NGOs). It was created to
ensure that the waterway is rehabilitated to
its historically pristine condition. Programs
implemented include the following:
Environmental Management
• Implementation of EUFS
• Institutionalization of river modeling
• Establishment of the database on
industrial pollution from point
sources
• Education and training on CP and
waste minimization
• Construction of a septage treatment
plant to serve about 37,000
households in Makati, San Juan,
Pateros, Taguig, and Mandaluyong
• Acquisition of 36 vacuum tankers to Source: EMB, 2005.
transport septage from households
Housing and Resettlement
• A total of 39 out of the 53 target
areas were cleared from informal
settlers
• A total of 6,115 out of the initial
target of 10,000 families were
relocated between 1999 and 2005,
with resettlement sites located in Realizing the important role of Metro
Taguig, Cavite, and Rizal Manila LGUs in the rehabilitation of Pasig
Flood Control – Through the Belgian- R iver, pa r ticipating L GUs through the
National
assisted Dredging and Sanitation MMDA established 10-meter environmental
Works for Pasig River and the Japan protection areas as linear park for riverbank
Water International Cooperation Agency use and protection. It cooperated with the
Quality
(JICA)-assisted rehabilitation and program in the relocation of informal settlers
expansion of Flood Control Operation along the riverbanks.
Status and Warning System, Pasig-Marikina-
Report
Laguna Lake Watershed
Development of 8.2 km Linear Parks and
four Urban Renewal Areas
FIGURE 20. Solid Waste Collection at Pasig River by MMDA using Ecolmare Boats.
Met r o M a n i l a D e v e lopme nt
34
Authority (MMDA). The MMDA as
co-chair of the PRRC, implements
programs to upgrade the conditions
of the River’s general environs and
maintain the Class C water quality
rating (Figure 20).
investments. Q
2001–2005
TABLE 10. MTSP Component Timetable.
35
36
the Marine Environmental Protection
Program for maritime oil pollution prevention,
mitigation, and control. This Program involves
marine pollution monitoring and control,
which enhances the agency’s capability in
oil spill response operations and enforces all
applicable marine environmental laws and
regulations.
Quality
Management
Haribon Foundation implemented
the Community-Based Coastal Resource
Policies and
Management in Bolinao, Pangasinan with
support from the Coastal Resource Research
Programs
Network and the International Development
Research Center-Canada. The project aims
to improve sustainability of community-
based coastal resource management in
terms of community organization and coastal
livelihood development activities through
Source: EMB appropriate management, enhanced selection
and implementation of criteria for livelihood
NGO Efforts
activities, improved individual and group
capacities and installation of better sustaining
Clean and Green Foundation – Piso Para sa
mechanisms.
Pasig. The Clean and Green Foundation is the
private sector counterpart of the government’s
Bantay Kalikasan’s Save the La Mesa
cleaning and greening programs since the
Watershed. Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch)
Ramos administration. It initiated the Piso
was launched by the ABS-CBN Foundation
Para sa Pasig (PPP) campaign to raise people’s
as a response to the worsening state of the
awareness on the government’s efforts to
environment, especially in Metro Manila. In
rehabilitate the Pasig River. Through the
its desire to provide a healthy environment for
foundation, Grancevola boats from Italy were
the development of children, the Foundation
acquired for the mechanized collection of
has focused on the revitalization of the 2,700
solid waste from the Pasig River. The PPP is
ha, largely denuded La Mesa
also implementing the Cleanest and Greenest
Watershed.
Barangay Contest along the Pasig, San Juan
and Marikina riverbanks as well as other
The La Mesa Watershed
contests such as the mock Gawad Walis
covers an area of 2,700 ha
at Paso and the Most Improved Barangay
(2,000 ha of forest lands and
Contest.
700 ha of reservoir/lake). About
1.5 million liters of water run
Sagip Pasig Movement (SPM). An organization
through the La Mesa reservoir everyday to
concerned with mobilizing communities for
supply the water requirements of 12 million N
sustainable rehabilitation of the Pasig River.
residents of Metro Manila.
SPM can be credited for the development of W
the Clean River Zone Model as the blueprint
Because of the importance of the Q
for the communities along the Pasig River,
watershed, the Bantay Kalikasan launched
which succeeded in implementing solid S
in June 1999, a reforestation program to stop
waste reduction programs for riverside
forest denudation and secure the water source R
communities. Its most popular programs are
of Metro Manila residents.
the institutionalized Lason Awards, the Most 2001–2005
Improved Industry Awards, and the Dangal
Currently, through Bantay Kalikasan’s
ng Pasig Awards that call attention to the
initiative, a total of 88 percent has been
polluting and the environment-conscious
reforested of the total areas needing
firms along the Pasig River.
rehabilitation with an overall average survival 37
rate of 92.5 percent. Seventy-three Philippine
Haribon Foundation. The Haribon Foundation
endemic tree species were planted such as
for the Conservation of Natural Resources is
Banaba, Betis, Kamagong, Dao, Guijo, Ipil,
a membership organization dedicated to the
Mahogany, Molave, Narra, Nato, Supa, and
conservation of Philippine biodiversity. It aims
Lauan. A La Mesa Watershed Management
to build a constituency for environmental
Framework Plan was prepared including the
issues that will call for prioritizing conservation
rehabilitation of the La Mesa Ecopark.
actions on habitats and sites, based on solid
scientific and socio-economic research.
Water
Academic Institutions’ Initiatives in in Cavite, and the Seven Lakes of San
Quality Water Quality Management Pablo. Series of umbrella researches
documented physico-chemical and
Management Various academic institutions are actively biological parameters of these inland
pursuing studies on water quality management. and coastal waters. In addition, the ES
Policies and Their activities range from regular water quality Department also pursues research on
monitoring to special studies on analytical various toxicity tests and wastewater
Programs method formulation and/or validation and treatment technologies using locally
testing of substances to assess impacts available materials.
on water pollution. Some of the leading Marine Science Institute – University of
institutions in water quality management the Philippines, Diliman. The UP MSI,
include: designated as the National Center of
Excellence in the Marine Sciences in
Central Philippines University, Iloilo 1994, is tasked to pursue research,
City. The College of Engineering at the teaching, and extension work in marine
Central Philippines University in Iloilo biology, marine chemistry, physical
City initiated an in-house capacity oceanography, marine geology, and
building program in conducting water related disciplines. Current research
quality testing and treatment. The areas of the MSI cover plankton ecology,
program recognizes that the need coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove
for clean and safe water should be ecosystem and the impacts of human
integrated in the educational agenda. activities in these ecosystems. At the
Department of Environmental Science chemical oceanography laboratories of
– Ateneo de Manila University. MSI, scientists also study nearshore and
Recognized by CHED as a Center of open water nutrient and trace element
distribution and fluxes.
National Hydraulic Research Center
– University of the Philippines, Diliman.
The NHRC is a unit of the University
of the Philippines, Diliman, under the
umbrella of the College of Engineering–
National Engineering Center. Recent
research
projects include
the “Hydraulic
Model Tests for
the Laoag River
Source: www.ateneo.edu/depts/es
National
Basin Flood
Water Control and
Sabo Project
Quality
(2002–2003)”
Status through the
Department of
Report
Public Works
and Highways
and the Policy
Development in Environmental Science, Research
the ES Department commits providing Paper on the
38
sustainable solutions to the challenge of
air and water quality and environmental
management. The department has
Proposed Water
Resources
Policy of the
conducted baseline studies and Philippines,
water quality monitoring of various 2002 with
water bodies such as the Manila Bay, PCAMRD-
Marikina River, the La Mesa Watershed, DOST.
Boac River in Marinduque, Indang River
Water
Research Water Resources Center – University of
and San Carlos. The WRC was established Quality
Analytical in 1975 as a combined effort of
Services concerned institutions and the Management
Laboratory academe in Cebu and Mandaue to
of the promote better understanding of water Policies and
National Source: www.nsri.upd.edu.ph/rasl and the environment. In Region 7,
Sciences WRC operates more than 100 rainfall Programs
Research Institute, UP Diliman. The monitoring stations, seven of which have
Research and Analytical Services evaporation gauges. The active river
Laboratory renders chemical analytical discharge monitoring stations more than
services, conducts research on validation 10, five of which are equipped with a
and development of methods and on data logger (a diver) which records water
laboratory chemical waste management, levels continuously.
and generates baseline information on
toxic trace metals and trace organics
in the Philippine environment. The
laboratory is one of the few institutions
that focus on monitoring and assessing
water pollutants not normally included
in the routine water quality monitoring.
Some of their researches include:
Systems
• Monitoring mercury in selected types Source: www.wrc.usc.edu.ph
of fish sold in Nepa-Q-Mart
N
• Monitoring arsenic in selected
groundwater wells used for Public W
Water Supply
Q
Source: www.nsri.upd.edu.ph/rasl
39
Water
Financing Institutions
Quality In support of the implementation of the Clean The Land Bank of the Philippines (Land
Water Act, the DBP provided support to the Bank) provides loans for LGUs to finance
Management EMB in the conduct of the series of Public infrastructure and other socio-economic
Consultations of the Implementing Rules development projects under the L GU’s
Policies and and Regulations of the RA 9003. These were local development plan. Part of the loan
held in NCR, Pampanga, Cebu, Davao, and purpose is for the construction, installation,
Programs Cagayan de Oro from January to February improvement, expansion, operation, and
2005. maintenance of waste disposal systems.
40
Target market of these
facilities include: small and
and investments made have been critical
for more efficient processes. In 2003,
EISCP-funded projects were able to
reduce organic water pollutant loading by
medium enterprises in the as much as 7,400 metric tons BOD.
food processing industry,
piggeries, slaughterhouses, Projects that were implemented by
leather ta nning, meta l these industrial enterprises include the construction of wastewater/
working, and furniture sewage treatment plants, CP projects that reduce water consumption,
sectors. and waste recycling and recovery programs.
Water
The project aims to develop innovative partnerships to bring together the LGUs, national government
agencies, the private sector, the civil society, scientific and technical communities, international and donor
communities to plan, develop, and manage under a common framework the coastal and marine resources of
Manila Bay.
The project has the following Economic Valuation of Major Uses and Habitats of Manila Bay in Million Pesos
components:
Program
Stakeholders’ Participation
Environmental and Resources
Source: MBEMP, 2005.
Valuation
Integrated Information Management System 41
In a study conducted in 2005, the initial economic valuation of major uses and key habitats amounts to PhP
8.3 billion, which can be attributed to: offshore fisheries (PhP 641.3 million), aquaculture/mariculture (PhP
5.1 billion), ports and harbors (PhP 865.9 million), and tourism (PhP 1.97 billion). The total economic value
indicates that the Manila Bay is still useful and that a large amount will be lost if not managed properly. The
initial valuation of damages to health and ecosystems amounts to PhP 3.98 billion, which is about 50 percent
of the total use value. This indicates that ecological, economic, and social consequences of human activities
affect the economic value of the Bay.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Water Quality Management
T
HIS section presents best practices and lessons learned in water quality management,
including waste minimization or CP efforts that could be adopted by others. This
process will not only give credit to those “good performers”, but will also allow others to
duplicate the documented “best practice in water quality management”. In addition, this section
showcases efforts of government agencies, private sectors, business or industry associations,
LGUs, civil society, communities, and others.
I nt e r f a c i n g w it h t he
A l a b a m a Wa t e r Wa t c h
(AWW), a similar organization
i n t he Un it e d S t at e s of
America (USA), a successful
tech nolog y t ra nsfer was
demonst rated t hrough
excha nges in technolog y
National
adoption. For instance, after
Water the PWW volunteers used the Source: www.pww.com.
Easygel rapid method for E.
Quality
coli testing, it was adopted
Status by the AWW. In the same manner, methods The pioneering effort of the PWW has
for TSS and stream discharge sampling that attracted local and national attention, with
Report
were initially used in the Philippines were great potential to impact water policy. The data
later used in Alabama, USA. and the process of community-based water
quality monitoring have been incorporated
T he P W W prog ra m resu lted to t he into the Natural Resource Management Plan
formation of three active groups in Mindanao of the Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon.
42
and Bohol. Together, they have collected
thousands of stream water samples. This
multi-year information documents a clear
The local government of the Province of
Sarangani initiated a similar water quality
monitoring program in their region. Moreover,
gradient of declining water quality across four the PWW data were used by the Philippine
sub-watersheds of the Manupali River, which Institute for Development Studies to advise
is related to human population, deforestation, Congress on the value of community-based
and agricultural development. Drinking water water monitoring during the formulation of
supplies have been identified as contaminated, the CWA.
Lake Water Quality
Management
Holistic and Integrated Lake from various rivers in the Lake’s basin.
Management Once biodegradable river wastes are
Laguna Lake is one of Southeast Asia’s largest collected, these are fed into drum kilns,
inland water bodies. Since its establishment until they are carbonized and later
in 1966 through RA 4850, the LLDA has pulverized. The carbon particles are
been protecting and preserving the quality then mixed with a binder and pressed
of the Lake as well as the 21 river systems into their final shape and form. After
that flow into it. The holistic and integrated which, these are dried, packed, and
approach that LLDA is implementing not only sold for PhP 15/pack of 25 pieces.
reduces pollution draining into the lake and The briquette-shaped charcoal is
improves lake water quality but also becomes more solid and slower to burn than
the benchmark in water quality management. the flake-shaped charcoal being sold
Some of the best practices that LLDA carries commercially. It provides livelihood to
out include:
Local acceptability and finding potential
investors are some of the issues that 43
have to be solved. However, despite
the set-back in the marketability of the
converted wastes, the environmental
army initiative on river clean-up
has created an advocacy among the
communities to take active roles in
river/lake rehabilitation.
Source: LLDA, 2005.
Best
Creating lake protection
Practices and management advocacy
through international
and Lessons and local collaborations
– A pioneering partnership
Learned among government, civil
society, and the private
in Water sector in the spirit of Agenda
21, CLEAR (Conservation of
Quality Laguna de Bay’s Environment
and Resources) aimed at
Management increasing environmental
awareness among
stakeholders by soliciting Source: LLDA, 2005.
LGU in the Frontline for the Conservation and Protection of Lake Buhi
L a ke B u h i is t he h abit at of
t he S i n a r a p a n (Mys t i c h th ys
luzonensis), the world’s smallest
edible fish, and at least seven
other native fish species. It is the
primary source of livelihood of
about 60 percent of its surrounding
population. It serves as a reservoir
for a hydroelectric power plant,
which generates 1.2 megawatts
of electricity for the Luzon grid.
In addition, the la ke is used
National
extensively for navigation and
mobility.
Water
Quality
Given its unique and diverse
environment, Lake Buhi and its
Status watershed are categor ized as
Report
extremely high critical by the
Philippine National Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan.
Source: www.unilever.com/Images/Living Lakes.
44
together with concerned government agencies
intervened and served as co-managers for
the Buhi watershed. On November 4, 2004,
Profiling of Lake Buhi
Development of the Lake Buhi
the Sangguniang Bayan of Buhi passed Sustainable Development Project
Resolution No. 163 authorizing Mayor Diones Assistance to EMB-DENR in water
N. Belza to designate an Executive Officer to quality monitoring and sampling
formulate and implement plans and programs Mobilization and coordination of Lake
Buhi clean-up activities
Best
Coastal and Marine Water Quality Management
Practices
work on resource management caught the
attention of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical 45
Company and Rotaract Parañaque which gave
commitments of support to SMMV’s mangrove
reforestation project.
and Lessons Public-Private Sectors’ Collaboration Signatories of the MOA agreed that companies
to Promote CP that document and submit their CP practices
Learned Promotion and adoption of CP is one key be given due recognition. A total of 21 firms
strategy that is strengthened under the submitted their CP program documentation
in Water CWA to prevent point sources of pollution. and were then reduced to 10, following this
Inter-agency collaboration has demonstrated set of criteria:
Quality success in transforming the paradigm of
industries to focus on an integrated, preventive Innovativeness of CP Technique Used
Management environmental strategy to processes, products, Pollution/Waste Reduction Attained
and services to increase efficiency and reduce Cost Savings Result
risks to humans and the environment. A Increase in Production Efficiency
successful collaboration was illustrated by Proper Resource Use/Management
the Metro Cebu Environmental Initiatives
Council (MCEIC) and its partner agencies and These firms were given “Award for
industries in Region 7. Outstanding Cleaner Production
Practices” in June 2005. Among those
To give due recognition, a MOA awardees with CP that prevent water
was signed in April 2004 by pollution are shown in Table 11.
the MCEIC, Pollution Control
Association of the Philippine, As an added incentive,
Inc. Region 7, Cebu Chamber Region 7 granted the awardees
of Commerce and Industry, environmental permits with
Inc., and the DENR-Region 7. five-year continuous validity.
TABLE 11. Summarized Costs and Benefits of the CP Success Stories in Cebu.
National
Water
Quality
Status
Report
46
T
HE 2003 Philippine Environment Monitor identified major water quality challenges
that the country needed to improve the quality of its surface, ground, and coastal
waters. These water quality challenges include:
Since then, the government pursued addressing past challenges in water quality
aggressive strategic plans to address the management.
seemingly decreasing trend of the quality
of our water bodies. The 2004-2010 MTDP The tasks for DENR and its partner
included in its five thrust for the environment agencies in implementing the CWA and its
and natural resources sector the creation of IRR are daunting notwithstanding the high
healthier environment for the population. This expectation and scrutiny of the populace on
implies safe drinking and bathing waters and the Act’s immediate and effective enforcement.
water bodies that foster production of our Hereunder are additional challenges in
aquatic resources. Considerable progress meeting the country’s goal of providing clean
on water quality management have been water.
achieved - marked by the passing of the CWA
and its IRR. Table 12 shows the initial actions
National
Water
Quality
Status
Report
48
Investments and Availability of program is limited to the downstream and
populated sections of water bodies because
Funds Needed for Effective and of constraints in resources and difficulty in
Efficient Enforcement accessing upper reaches of river basins.
One of the greatest challenges to water
quality management in the Philippines is the To make water quality monitoring more
availability of funds to mobilize resources for effective, the EMB needs to upgrade its
effective and efficient enforcement. Donor laboratory facilities and equipment, acquire
agencies have noticed this need and have more portable testing equipment, increase
been providing technical assistance to the
manpower complement and resources, and
government in implementing the CWA.
link with LGUs and other stakeholders in its
monitoring activities.
Reviewing the status of implementation
of the Act shows that a number of statutory
requirements still need further action. This Strengthening Institutional
includes the designation and operationa-
lization of WQMAs. The preparation of a 10-
Mechanisms and Sustaining
year WQMA Action Plan is required by the Multi-Sectoral Participation in
Act, following the completion of the framework
for each designated WQMA. Considering the
Water Quality Management
Sustainable management of water resources
number of water bodies and potential WQMAs
will be achieved only if all sectors of society
in the country, the preparation of the WQMA
find effective means of working together (in
Action Plan would entail substantial resources
partnership). The lack of participation is often
to implement.
a result of the following:
In addition, activities and programs
Barriers to access information
are needed to classify groundwater sources
Distance from the main administrative
and prepare the national vulnerability map,
center
incorporating the prevailing standards
Lack of information
and methodologies. The provision of other
Bureaucratic red tape and institutions
infrastructure facilities to improve pollution
that do not respond to public service
control programs, particularly sewerage and
Inadequate financial resources
sanitation, also require considerable amount
Lack of infrastructure, capacity and
of funds.
skilled resources
Inadequate systems of financial
Building Capacity, Resources, accountability
N
Insufficient transparency in decision-
and Information Infrastructure making W
Unfortunately, while there are efforts There is a need for the LGUs to integrate
from various sectors (i.e., government, water quality management in the development
NGOs, industry, etc.), water quality of land use plans, particularly to consider
monitoring programs lack coordination from high impact land use activities. Low land
productivity, prevalence of squatters,
Intensified IEC Campaign on and inappropriate settlements within
Water Quality Management and environmentally-critical areas all contribute
to the degradation of water bodies.
National the Requirements of the CWA
Water management is a global as well as national
Water
concern. Public access to environmental data
has increasingly become a component of water
Protection of Water Bodies from
Quality
management policies. This is due in part to the Domestic Waste Contamination
Status
increase in sustainable development ideology. Further deterioration of the quality of
Report Sustainable development, however, demands groundwater, surface waters, and coastal
that information be available and be utilized and marine waters as a result of untreated or
in an effort to increase public understanding partially treated domestic wastes disposal will
and involvement. It recognizes that public continue unless programs for the improvement
education is critical to long-term change. of sewage treatment for highly urbanized
areas and septic treatment for less urbanized
50 The general public has the right to districts are provided.
be informed of the water quality status of
important water bodies to plan and work Urban sanitation improvements are
generally expensive. In addition, densely
toward an environmentally and economically
populated urban housing rarely has the space
healthy watershed. The development of a water
or ground conditions necessary for septic
quality index that would increase appreciation
drainage fields required under the Sanitation
by the general public of water quality status Code of the Philippines.
Efforts must be made to finance the management (RA 6969)
Source: EMB, 2005.
population as well as the rapidly increasing effects. As coastlines are reclaimed to build
consumption and urbanization have resulted communities, entire watersheds and coastal 51
to the generation of more wastes needing resources are affected. Coastal erosion,
appropriate disposal systems. resulting from increased land subsidence
from groundwater extraction and off-shore
S ol id waste m a na gement is t he quarrying of sand and dredging are other
responsibilit y of L GUs under R A 9003 notable problems in some places.
while the law regulating hazardous waste
Challenges
Protection of Groundwater Quality Rehabilitation of Rivers
The threat of groundwater contamination Many rivers in the country have become
comes from unsewered domestic wastewater, degraded, largely through the increased
industrial wastewater discharge on land and impact of human activities, resulting in
improper activities in the storage, treatment, poor water quality and reduced amenity and
transport and disposal of industrial solid and aesthetic value. The degradation has been
liquid waste, leaching of municipal garbage recognized with the resulting poor water
dumps, leaking underground petroleum quality conditions of about 10 percent of
storage tanks, application of fertilizers and monitored rivers in the country in 2001 to
pesticides and improper irrigation practices. 2005.
Increasing abstraction of groundwater
resources for potable water supply has also Over the past years, we have undertaken
affected groundwater quality. Over-extraction rehabilitation efforts in Pasig River and
has resulted in aquifer depletion, land Laguna de Bay. However, these initiatives were
subsidence, and groundwater salinization. primarily driven by agencies created by the
Government to implement various approaches
The management of groundwater resources for river/lake rehabilitation and restoration.
requires the regulation of pumping in areas The complete restoration of large water bodies
where aquifer conditions have reached the may be unrealistic because of the manifold
unsustainable extraction levels. Development functions they serve. It is not surprising,
plan in these areas should include prevention therefore, that rehabilitation attempts so
of further decrease in yield and sea water far have only recovered stretches or certain
intrusion. The system should be supported by features of the water bodies.
an improved database on the yield potential
and recharge rates of aquifers to determine Engineering techniques such as
the allowable extraction levels. channel restoration and maintenance, river
bank enhancement/buffer zones and by
The use of groundwater as a source infrastructure investments in waste disposal
of drinking water manifests the urgent systems within the catchment are important
need to protect it from various sources of in the improvement of degraded water bodies.
contamination. Surface waters are amply More importantly, rehabilitation projects
protected by the implementation of effluent should involve stakeholders and make better
standards and setting of ambient water use of existing knowledge when they plan,
quality criteria whereas groundwater quality execute, and evaluate the water body.
policies are well defined. While disposal of
liquid and solid wastes is generally prohibited With the designation of the Water
National inland, some guidelines are needed to clarify Quality Management Area (WQMA) and its
the issues and make the enforcement of the Governing Board, a holistic approach to water
Water regulations to protect groundwater quality quality management will be achieved. The
Quality more effective. rehabilitation program becomes a concerted
effort of various stakeholders like DENR, LGUs
Status and NGOs.
Report
The WQMA should be able to integrate
rehabilitation into future management to
efficiently achieve goals. It should incorporate a
general understanding of water body functions
into the practice of rehabilitation by defining
52
tangible and attainable targets deduced from
ecologically intact or pristine references. The
WQMA should not be mistaken as a regulatory
body but should rather function as a body
formed to integrate programs and ensure
water protection or rehabilitation. Lessons
learned from existing rehabilitation efforts in
the country will be helpful in the design of the
WQMA action plan.
management strategies. S
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Water
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