Baseline Information of San Juan

River
CE 197: Introduction to Water Quality Analysis and Modeling

Submitted by:
Bongcayao, Jonah
Bonifacio, Daniel Raymart
Defensor, Rea Ann
Gutierrez, Sydney
Lipato, Glaiza Marie
Nuada, Dexter
INTRODUCTION

San Juan River straddles Quezon City, San Juan, Manila and Mandaluyong. It is approximately
10.581 kilometers, with tributaries namely Talayan creek, Diliman creek, Ermitanyo creek, Maytunas
creek and Buhangin creek. Its entire river basin has a catchment area of 90.4 sq. km., comprising the
lower half of Quezon City, the city of San Juan and parts of Mandaluyong City, Pasig City and
Manila City. Of the total area about 78 sq. km. is located in Quezon City.

According to the Pollution Report (2003) done by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, out of 94 Principal Basins monitored by them, 15 were identified as biologically dead.
And of the 15 rivers, five are located in Metro Manila and have failed the standards for Class C water.
Under the DENR Administrative Order 34, Class C water refers to those body of freshwater that are
safe for the propagation of aquatic fish and other aquatic resources, boating other recreational use and
for industrial use. The five rivers declared as dead located in Metro Manila are Marikina River, Pasig
River, Paraaque, Navotas-Malabon-Tenejeros-Tullahan River and San Juan River.

Objectives

To be able to produce an Infographic of San Juan River having its baseline information.

Methodology

For the purpose of this paper, baseline information presented in our Infographics is further elaborated
and assessed. All information are from the Report of the Environmental Management Bureau of
DENR on the Water Quality in the Philippines (2008-2015).

Monitoring Results and Discussion

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Dissolved Oxygen is the amount of oxygen present in water. One of the important parameters in
assessing the water quality because of its influence on the organisms living in a water body.
According to standards and several studies, at least 5 milligrams per liter of dissolved oxygen must be
present in water in order for the organisms to survive.

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 Figure 1: DO compliance rating of priority river 2006-2013

Figure 2: DO levels of 19 priority rivers, 2010-2014

Based on Figure 1, San Juan River has approximately 11% compliance, only 29 out of 253 field
samples passed the standards. And in Figure 2, it shows that the Dissolved Oxygen level found in San
Juan river is lower than minimum requirement of 5 milligrams per liter, the level necessary for
aquatic life. It clearly shows that San juan river failed to satisfy the class C requirement, it is not
suitable for the propagation of fishes and other aquatic resources.

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Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Biochemical Oxygen Demand is the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to

decompose the organic matter in a sample as measure of the degree of water pollution. A higher
value of BOD in a water body indicates higher organic pollution. According to standards, the
maximum BOD present in the water must be 7 milligrams per liter in order for the organisms to
survive.

Figure 3: BOD percentage compliance of priority rivers, 2006 to 2013

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 Figure 4: BOD levels of 19 priority rivers, 2010 to 2014

Based on Figure 3, San Juan river clearly shows 0% compliance rate, out of 245 sampling event no
sample satisfies the standards. And in Figure 4, approximately the average BOD level is 60
milligrams per liter, it exceeds the maximum allowable limit of BOD value. We can clearly say that
San Juan river suffers from too much organic pollution.

Nitrates

Nitrate is one of the common nutrients found in a water body. Low nitrate content is beneficial
because it helps in the propagation and growth of fishes and other aquatic organisms. however , high
concentration of nitrate can inhibit the growth of fish and can cause stress to other organisms. Based
on Figure 5 below, San Juan rivers has approximately 25% compliance rate which is the lowest
compare to other rivers. It shows that San Juan river is heavily contaminated by organic waste.

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 Figure 5: Nitrates percentage compliance rating of priority rivers, 2006-2013

Phosphates

Phosphate is also one of the common nutrients found in a water body. It usually comes from
detergents, raw sewage and fertilizers. Too much amount of phosphate can cause algal bloom in a
body of water.

Figure 6: Phosphates percentage compliance rating of priority rivers, 2006-2013

Based on Figure 6, San Juan river has 0% compliance rating. Too much phosphate may be present in
the river because of domestic wastewater and wastes produced by industries near San Juan river.

Conclusion and Recommendations

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San Juan River is considered as a dead river. The main reason behind this is because of its
surrounding communities. According to the report done by the Department of Public Works and
Highways entitled Metro Manila Integrated Flood Risk Management Master Plan (2013), around
4,217 informal settlers family are living along San Juan river. Low value of Dissolved Oxygen and
high value of BOD is caused by domestic wastewater, animal waste and human waste, the same
reason for high concentration of nitrates and phosphates. There is a lack of monitoring and control by
the local government on the discharge of wastewater along the river.

As a recommendation, local government of San Juan river must coordinate with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources in enforcing directives and policies on communities along the
river. Awareness program for every Barangay and industry near the river is a must. In addition, there
must also be a rehabilitation and monitoring program to be conducted with the help of people living
along San Juan River.

References

Enviromental Management Bureau (2016). Water Quality In the Philippines (2008-2015). Report.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

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Mike Frialde (2004). Five Metro Rivers Declared Dead. The Philippine Star.

Singson, Rogelio (2013). Metro Manila Integrated Flood risk Management Master Plan. Report.
Department of Public Works and Highways.