Thesis Final As of May 22

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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Water is one of the most important substances on earth. Water that is safe for
drinking is called potable water. It is most important that the water which people drink
and use for other purposes is clean water. This means that the water must be free from
bacteria and chemicals.
Access to safe drinking water is important as a health and development issue at
national, regional and local level. In some regions, it has been shown that investments in
water supply and sanitation can yield a net economic benefit. Safe water is essential to
sustain life and a satisfactory supply must available to all. Improving access to safe
drinking-water can result in tangible benefits to health. Safe drinking water does not
represent any significant risk to health over a lifetime of consumption, including different
sensitivities that may occur between life stages.
Moreover, About 1 to 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, a problem that
causes 30,000 deaths each week. More people die from unsafe water than from war, U.N.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said in 2010. (UN News. 22 March 2010. Retrieved 10
May 2018.) Potable water should be safe to drink without risk of health problems.
People still use an unsafe drinking water source which may be contaminated by
chemicals. This can result in infectious diarrhea such as cholera and typhoid among
others.
In this modern era, hand pump usually seen in rural areas. Hand pumps are
manually operated pumps; they use human power and mechanical advantage to move
fluid or air from one place to another. Modern hand pumps are considered the most
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sustainable low-cost option for safe water supply in resource poor settings, often in rural
areas. The main advantage of hand pumps is that they are one of the most economical and
simple solutions for providing a collective supply of drinking water in rural areas and in
suburban environments. Its disadvantage is the required maintenance, the significant
physical exertion required for pumping and the potential difficulty of being supplied with
spare parts which may not be easy to obtain. People have many other uses of water, this
include cooking, washing of clothes, etc. Water is essential to the survival of all living
things. Other potential uses of water, Economic analysis for Irrigation use, Biodiversity
Initiatives, and leaving or returning water to its original source. Portable water can lower
the risk of contamination of food and drink. It considerably lessens water-related disease
which kill thousands of children every day.
Background of the study
A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines. Mostly, the
population of a barangay is 500 to 2,000 depending on the area that they are living in.
Barangay is possibly the most important part of the community where it should have the
safest drinking water that the residents will consume.
Mabini is a barangay in the municipality of Mayorga province of Leyte. Its
population is determined by the 2015 census was 1,020 residents. This represented 5.94%
of the total population of the Municipality of Mayorga.
In line with this, the researcher aims to study the present water quality condition
in brgy. Mabini, Mayorga leyte due to they only have deep well (open) and hand pumps
as a major source of water. Majority of the residents of this barangay drink water from
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the said sources, but there are some residents too that they purchase mineral water as their
drinking water.
Statement of the Problem
Water sources must be protected from contamination by human and animal waste,
which can contain variety of bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens. Potential
consequences of microbial contamination are such that it must be of paramount
importance and must never be compromised. Water from hand pumps and deep wells are
drawn directly from the soil, it is prone to contamination. If such water is not purified,
consumption of it might lead to water borne diseases. Researchers will conduct a study
on water quality and potable water from hand pumps and deep well which can help the
entire community.
This study aims to answer the following questions:
1. What is the main source of drinking water of the residents in Brgy. Mabini,
Mayorga Leyte?
2. What is the condition of potable water in Brgy. Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte 10 years
ago compared to the present water quality condition of the potable water in the area?
3. What habitat and human state does the Brgy. Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte possible
affect the water quality in terms of disposal?
4. Which area of the barangay is prone to contamination and will undergo to a
laboratory testing considering the parameter of Coliform Counts and E-coli present
(Fecal Count)?
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Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The scope of this study is at Brgy. Mabini that is located at Mayorga, Leyte. The
purpose of this study is to identify the water quality status at Brgy. Mabini. This study is
also to find alternative solution for their inadequate water supply. To determine the types
and sources of water, the condition of their water years ago, ways of disposing waste
water and solid wastes and find an alternative solution for the water supply of the
barangay. The major limitations faced throughout this research were: data quality and
completeness; background information regarding to water quality in Brgy. Mabini; time –
the time allocated to collect data is limited regarding to our personal reasons and the great
amount of data to be obtained.
Significance of the Study

This research will help the community to identify the quality of water in Brgy.
Mabini, Mayorga Leyte.
Community. This study is important to the community wherein this can help
them to be aware about the water quality they have in their area and will also help the
constituents in securing their healthy living. Sufficient quantity and with safe quality of
drinking water, with this study the residents of the community, especially children will be
provided with safe potable water. The aim of this study was to provide healthy and safe
water, because water is the basic human need, and is essential to one’s life.
Academe. This will serve as the guiding knowledge through this study to those
students who are making their research and the result of this study will also serve as a
guide for the school in its extension program to help the community covered in this
research.
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Proponents. This study will provide the proponents additional information about
the potable water system, it also provides awareness to the community.
Theoretical Framework
Safe drinking water is essential to humans and other life forms even though it
provides no calories or organic nutrients. Pure water is usually described as tasteless and
odorless, although people have specific sensors that can feel the presence of water in their
mouths, and frogs are known to be able to smell it. Water is a good solvent for a wide
variety of chemical substances; as such it is widely used in industrial processes, and in
cooking and washing (www.conserve-energy-future/.org) Groundwater supplies are
replenished or recharged by rain or snow melt that seeps down into the cracks and
crevices beneath the land’s surface. Groundwater can be polluted by landfills, septic
tanks, leaky underground gas tanks, and from overuse of fertilizers and pesticides. If
groundwater becomes polluted, it will no longer to be safe to drink (The Groundwater
Foundation 2016)
Darcy’s Law. Permeability is the capacity of a rock layer to transmit water or
other fluids, such as oil. The satandard unit for permeability is the Darcy (d) or, more
commonly, the millidarcy (md). If a single fluid moves through rock, its relative
permeability is 1.0 two or more fluids generally inhibit flow through rock compared with
that of a single phase of each component.
The fundamental relationship given by Henry is the basis for permeability
determination. Darcy’s law originates from the interpretation of the result of the flow of
water through an experimental apparatus. In this experiment, water was allowed to flow
downward through the sand pack contained in an iron cylinder.

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Theory of Turbidity. Excessive turbidity, or cloudiness, in drinking water is
aesthetically unappealing, and may also represent a health concern. Turbidity can provide
food and shelter for pathogens. If not removed, turbidity can promote regrowth of
pathogens in the distribution system, leading to waterborne disease outbreaks, which
have caused significant cases of gastroenteritis throughout the United States and the
world. Although turbidity is not a direct indicator of health risk, numerous studies show a
strong relationship between removal of turbidity and removal of protozoa. The particles
of turbidity provide "shelter" for microbes by reducing their exposure to attack by
disinfectants. Microbial attachment to particulate material has been considered to aid in
microbe survival. Fortunately, traditional water treatment processes have the ability to
effectively remove turbidity when operated properly. (Source: EPA)
Conceptual framework
The conceptual framework of the study includes the site for “Assessment of
Water Potability in Brgy. Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte”. This is followed by identifying the
sources of water in the barangay in order to get a sample that will be conducted for a
laboratory test. After the sample being collected for water testing, the researcher
conducted a survey and interview in determining data that will provide as the bases for
the results analysis and recommendations.

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.
Recommendation
Result or Analysis
Interview
Survey
Identify the water

that failed the
test
Test the water sample
Identify the sources of

water
POTABLE WATER
QUALITY
Fig. 1.1 Process on the Study of Water Quality in Brgy. Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte
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Definition of Terms
The following terms were conceptually and operationally defined for better
understanding of the reader.
Biodiversity. Existence of different number of animal and plants in an
environment.
Cholera. A disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea because of the
contaminated drinking water.
Coliform bacteria. Are bacteria that are found in the soil, in water that has been
influenced by surface water, and in human or animal waste.
Deep Well. A source of water that comes from the ground.
E-coli- Escherichia coli or E- Coli. Is a coliform bacterium that is commonly
found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms.
Fecal Coliform. Is the group of the total coliforms that are considered to be
present specifically in the gut and feces of warm-blooded animals.
Hand Pump. A source of water that uses energy in order to gather water from it.
Infectious Diarrhea. Is a disease that may lead to death if the drinking water is
unsafe or contaminated.
Microbial. A microorganism that causes death.
Parameters. Limit or boundary of physical properties whose values determine
the characteristics or behavior.
Pathogens. Microorganisms that causes disease.
Permeability. Is a measure of the ability of a porous material to allow fluids to
pass through it.

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Potable water. Clean water that is suitable for drinking.
Protozoan Infections. Are parasitic diseases caused by microorganisms.
Purified. Water that is free from undesirable elements.
Turbid. Is the state of liquid especially water being cloudy or hazy caused by
large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye.
Typhoid. Is a disease that comes from contaminated water.
Viral. Infectious viruses that may lead to death.
Water borne diseases. Are caused by drinking contaminated water.
Water Quality. Is a term used here to express the suitability of water to sustain
various uses or processes.

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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
In this chapter, the researchers assure the familiarity of the study that they are
doing, a review of the related literature and studies are done. The clarity of the problem is
possible with through understanding of the knowledge generalization in the area of the
research. It provides the source of hypothesis and it suggest the method, procedure,
sources of data and statistical technique appropriate to the solution of the problem. This
also gives insight regarding strong points and limitation of the previous studies. It also
enables the researchers to improve their own investigation and to arrive at the proper
perspective of the study.
Related Literature
The quality of drinking water is an influential environmental determinant of
health. Quality of water is determined considering three major categories i.e., physical,
chemical, and microbiological properties. Physical and chemical properties indicate the
presence of heavy metals; some organic compounds, total suspended solids (TSS), and
turbidity. Microbiological parameters include coliform bacteria, E. coli, and specific
pathogenic species of bacteria (such as cholera causing Vibrio cholerae),viruses, and
protozoan parasites. Most of the time, chemical parameters cause a chronic health risk
through the slow and constant accumulation of heavy metals although some components
like nitrates/nitrites and arsenic can have a more immediate impact. On the other hand,
physical parameters affect the aesthetics and taste of the drinking water, and may
complicate the removal of microbial pathsogens. As far as drinking water quality is
concerned, it is necessary to consider susceptible populations that are more prone to

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exposures, including children, immune-suppressed individuals, and the old ones.
Newborns, for example, are especially at risk for enteroviruses (UK, College of
Agriculture. 2011).
Chemical, in this unit, youth will learn about bacteria, dissolved oxygen,
electrical conductivity, nitrate, pH, phosphate, and temperature. Biological, ecosystems
are composed of interrelated elements. Major components of most systems are water,
land (rock and soils), air, and living things (plants and animals including humans). The
components of an ecosystem are related so that when one is disturbed or altered, the other
components may also be affected. Physical, in this unit youth will learn about physical
characteristics of a water body. Youth will make observations related to the movement of
the water (e.g., fast, slow, still), tree canopy (e.g., full shade, part shade, exposed), bottom
composition (e.g., \bedrock, boulder, cobble, gravel, sand, silt), land use, water
appearance, water odor, and presence and size of vegetation. (UK, College of
Agriculture. 2011).
The quality of water may be described in terms of the concentration and state
(dissolved or particulate) of some or all of the organic and inorganic material present in
the water, together with certain physical characteristics of the water. It is determined by
in situ measurements and by examination of water samples on site or in the laboratory.
The main elements of water quality monitoring are, therefore, on-site measurements, the
collection and analysis of water samples, the study and evaluation of the analytical
results, and the reporting of the findings. The results of analyses performed on a single
water sample are only valid for the particular location and time at which that sample was
taken. One purpose of a monitoring programme is, therefore, to gather sufficient data (by
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means of regular or intensive sampling and analysis) to assess spatial and/or temporal
variations in water quality.
“Water quality” is a term used here to express the suitability of water to sustain
various uses or processes. Water quality can be defined by a range of variables which
limit water use. Although many uses have some common requirements for certain
variables, each use will have its own demands and influences on water quality. Quantity
and quality demands of different users will not always be compatible, and the activities of
one user may restrict the activities of another, either by demanding water of a quality
outside the range required by the other user or by lowering quality during use of the
water. Efforts to improve or maintain a certain water quality often compromise between
the quality and quantity demands of different users. There is increasing recognition that
natural ecosystems have a legitimate place in the consideration of options for water
quality management. This is both for their intrinsic value and because they are sensitive
indicators of changes or deterioration in overall water quality, providing a useful addition
to physical, chemical and other information (UNEP/WHO; M.Meybeck, E. Kuusisto, A.
Mäkelä and E.Mälkki. 2012).
Water is life for all but this water is polluting day by day in severe condition. We
live without food for few days but not without water. It is need for the survival of all
organisms including human, food production and economic development. Two thirds of
the earth surface is covered by water. Approximately 98% of the water is sea water and is
unusable for drinking because the high concentration of salt. About 2% of planet water is
fresh, but 1.6% is locked up in polar icecaps and glaciers. Another 0.36% is found
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underground in aquifers and wells. Therefore only about 0.036% of the planets water
supply is accessible in lakes and rivers.
Water is an important natural resource of all over the world. Water quality is a
measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic
species (Hennessy 1998). Water quality is defined in terms of the chemical, physical,
and biological constituents in water. Water is a critical natural resource and its
availability affects social, economic and ecological sustainability. For humans and
ecosystems water quality is as important as water quantity (UNESCO 2012).
A drinking water quality may be acceptable when it is treated in a treatment plant.
Using unsafe drinking or bathing water can impose serious risks to human health. Water
quality deserves increased attention alongside water quantity in water resource
management. (UN-Water 2011)
Related Studies
Ground water is an essential and vital component of our life support system. The
ground water resources are being utilized for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes.
However, due to rapid growth of population, urbanization, industrialization and
agriculture activities, ground water resources are under stress. There is growing concern
on the deterioration of ground water quality due to anthropogenic activities. (Farid Abad.
2010)
Quality of ground water is also influenced by anthropogenic factors. For
example, overexploitation of ground water in coastal regions may result in sea water
ingress and consequent increase in salinity of ground water and excessive use of
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fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture and improper disposal of urban/industrial waste
can cause contamination of ground water resources. (Farid Abad. 2010)
Ground water contains a wide variety of dissolved inorganic chemical
constituents in various concentrations, resulting from chemical and biochemical
interactions between water and the geological materials. Inorganic contaminants
including salinity, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, iron and arsenic are important in
determining the suitability of ground water for drinking purposes. (Farid Abad. 2010)
The composition of surface and underground waters is dependent on natural
factors (geological, topographical, meteorological, hydrological and biological) in the
drainage basin and varies with seasonal differences in runoff volumes, weather conditions
and water levels. Large natural variations in water quality may, therefore, be observed
even where only a single watercourse is involved. Human intervention also has
significant effects on water quality. Some of these effects are the result of hydrological
changes, such as the building of dams, draining of wetlands and diversion of flow. More
obvious are the polluting activities, such as the discharge of domestic, industrial, urban
and other wastewaters into the watercourse (whether intentional or accidental) and the
spreading of chemicals on agricultural land in the drainage basin.(UNEP/WHO;
M.Meybeck, E. Kuusisto, A. Mäkelä and E.Mälkki. 2012).
Water quality is affected by a wide range of natural and human influences. The
most important of the natural influences are geological, hydrological and climatic, since
these affect the quantity and the quality of water available. Their influence is generally
greatest when available water quantities are low and maximum use must be made of the
limited resource; for example, high salinity is a frequent problem in arid and coastal
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areas. If the financial and technical resources are available, seawater or saline
groundwater can be desalinated but in many circumstances this is not feasible. Thus,
although water may be available in adequate quantities, its unsuitable quality limits the
uses that can be made of it. Although the natural ecosystem is in harmony with natural
water quality, any significant changes to water quality will usually be disruptive to the
ecosystem. (UNEP/WHO; M.Meybeck, E. Kuusisto, A. Mäkelä and E.Mälkki. 2012).
The quality of water that is consumed is well-recognised as an important
transmission route for infectious diarrhoeal and other diseases (WHO, 1993).The
importance of water quality continues to be emphasized by its role in epidemics and
contribution to endemic disease from pathogens (Ford, 1999; Payment and Hunter, 2001).
This affects both developed and developing countries, although the majority of the health
burden is carried by children in developing countries (Prüss et al., 2002; WHO, 2000).
There are other health benefits of increased access within the range implying
physical collection, notably reduced potential for damage to the spine and for the early
onset arthritic diseases and protection against hip damage (Dufault, 1988; Page, 1996).
Where women must walk long distances this may exacerbate malnourishment and also
affect the quantity and quality of milk produced by lactating women (Dufault, 1988).
Changes in water quality have a variety of economic impacts, including upon
human health, ecosystem health, agricultural and fisheries productivity, and recreational
and amenity uses. Although some of these effects are tangible, many are not and their
monetary quantification entails non-market valuation techniques.
Access to safe drinking-water is important as a health and development issue at
national, regional and local levels. In some regions, it has been shown that investments in
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water supply and sanitation can yield a net economic benefit, as the reductions in adverse
health effects and health-care costs outweigh the costs of undertaking the interventions.
This is true for investments ranging from major water supply infrastructure through to
water treatment in the home. Experience has also shown that interventions in improving
access to safe water favour the poor in particular, whether in rural or urban areas, and can
be an effective part of poverty alleviation strategies. (WHO, 2011)
Improved drinking water sources are deﬁned as water sources that are protected
from outside contamination, such as fecal matter, due to their construction, proper use,
and/or other active interventions.
The Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation (JMP) of
WHO/UNICEF categorizes a drinking-water source type as improved if ‘‘by nature of its
construction or through active intervention, is protected from outside contamination, in
particular from contamination with fecal matter’’. Improved source types include piped
water into dwelling, yard, or plot, standpipe, borehole, and protected dug well or spring,
and rainwater. Unimproved source types are those that do not protect water from outside
contamination (unprotected wells, unprotected springs, surface waters, and tanker trucks).
While the categorization reflects well-established principles of sanitary protection, on
announcing that the target had been met in 2010. (Robert Bain, Ryan Crank, Jim Wright,
Hong Yang, Tom Slaymaker, Jamie Bartram. 2010).

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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter describes the research methodology that is used in this study. The
geographical area under the study was conducted, the study design and the population
and sample size are described. The instruments used to collect the data, including
methods implemented to maintain validity and reliably of the instrument are described.
Research Design
This study used the descriptive method. The researchers choose the descriptive
survey in order to gather relevant and appropriate data from the residents of Brgy.
Mabini, Mayorga Leyte and to help the researchers in their study.
Research Locale
This study was conducted at Barangay Mabini, Mayorga Leyte. This barangay is
the last barangay of the Municipality of Mayorga, and is adjacent to the municipality of
Lapaz, Leyte.
Mayorga is a fifth class municipality in the Province of Leyte having 16
barangays. Brgy. Mabini has a total land area of 362.48 hectares and population of 1020
with 259 households.
The common source of drinking water of this barangay are deep well and hand
pump. The researchers choose this location for their study, for them to help the residents
of the community to have good quality of water.

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Data Gathering Procedure
The researchers submitted letters to the Municipal Mayor of Mayorga and to the
Barangay Chairwoman of Barangay Mabini, Mayorga leyte noted by the research
adviser, the letter states that the researchers would conduct their study to barangay
Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte, asking permission to the head of the municipality as well as the
chairwoman of the barangay to allow the researchers conduct interview randomly and
gather relevant data by the use of survey questionnaires.
Gathering data and information about the water quality was done through internet
that will help support the study and in order to obtain necessary data that the study
needed.
Research Instruments
A set of questioners containing 3 pages including a letter of request; it includes
personal profile: Name of the respondents, Age, and Address. Three categories employed
namely, Part I, Part II, and Part III.
The respondents were oriented by the researchers to make sure of the information
and clarity of the given questioners.
Mobile phones and laptops were used for browsing the internet and for storing the
gathered data. The sampling procedure of the various water samples was done in the
laboratory and the water analysis was presented by Eastern Visayas Regional Medical
Center (EVRMC).
Research Respondents
Randomly selected households in Barangay Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte were used as
the subjects for this research. Barangay Mabini has 259 households (PSA, Census of
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Population (2015)). To determine the number of households, the researchers used a
formula to determine the sample size and to calculate the number of respondents.
Slovin’s formula was used for determining the number of samples to be used for the
study.
SLOVIN’S FORMULA
n=N / (1+Ne2)
Where: n - sample size

N - number of households
E - margin of error (0.06)
Validation of Instrument
The questionnaire used in this study have undergone validation process called
face validation.
The researcher based their water sampling procedure in Philippine National
Standards for Drinking Water 1993 (PNSDW 1993) standard operating procedure for
water sampling. Below are the following procedures for water sample:
I. Preparation
A. Determine the extent of the sample effort, the sampling methods to be
employed and which equipment and supplies are needed.
B. Obtain necessary sampling and monitoring equipment.
C. Decontaminate or pre-clean equipment and ensure that it is in working
order.
D. Prepare scheduling a coordinate with staff, clients, and regulatory agency,
if appropriate.
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E. Perform a general site survey prior to site entry in accordance with the site
specific health and safety plan.
II. Sampling Consideration
The researcher based on the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water
for 2007 validated and approved by the Department of Health (DOH), the general
requirements for microbiological quality are as follows:
1. Sampling and Analysis for Microbiological Quality
To determine the safety and acceptability of drinking water supply, appropriate
examination should be conducted on representative of water taken to all critical stages in
production and consumption of water supply. This stages include and not limited to: the
water sources, in the course of and after the treatment process (if any), and from a
reasonable number of points in the distribution network. Microbiological examination
such as determination of fecal contamination of water supply is conducted more
frequently than the other test because of the high probability of microbial contamination
and the extent of public health it might cause.
A. Volume of Sample
The volume of sample should be sufficient to carry out all test required, preferably
not less than 100 ml.
B. Sample Container
Collect samples for microbiological examination in 500 ml clear bottle that have
been cleansed and rinsed carefully, given a final rinse with distilled water and sterilized
as directed in the standard method analysis for water and waste water. Sampling bottles
should be provided with either ground glass stoppers or plastic screw cup.
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C. Sample Collection and Storage
The sample should represent the water under examination. Contamination during
collection and before examination should be avoided.
The top should be cleaned and free from attachments and fully open with water
allowed to waste for a sufficient time to permit the flushing/ clearing of the service line.
No samples shall be taken from leaking tops.
The sampling bottle should be kept and open until it is ready for filling.
Water sample should be processed promptly or within six (6) hours after
collection or if possible the used of ice coolers for storage of water sample during
transport to the laboratory is recommended. The time elapsed between collections and
processing should in no case exceed 24 hours.
D. Identification Sample
Sampling bottles must be tagged with complete and accurate identification and
description. The information about the samples can be recorded in a request form for
analysis for water quality.
E. Frequency of Sample
The minimum number of sample to be collected and examined periodically must
be based on the mood of water supply. However, frequency of sampling should also take
into account the past frequency of records yielding and satisfactory results, the quality of
raw water treated, the number of raw water sources, the adequacy of treatment and
capacity of the treatment plan, risk of contamination of the source and in the distribution
system, the size of the complexity of the distribution system, the risk of an epidemic and
the practice of disinfection.

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F. Location of Sampling Points
Adherence to the set guidelines for sampling point selection must be observed.
Sample should be taken from the point source from the principal outlet-hand pump or
spring outlet.
For routine monitoring boreholes or deep wells generally requires less frequent
sampling as they are usually of better quality than shallow ground water given the
greater deeps of water abstraction. It is also important to undertake an extended
assessment of point source quality in order to develop understanding of the process
causing water quality failure and thus the appropriate interventions require improving
the source.
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CHAPTER IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
This chapter presents the analysis of data collected from the research conducted in
Barangay Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte. There were 134 respondents who answered the
questions frequently.
Presentation of Respondents Answer from the Questionnaire and Analysis of Data
Table 1.1
Years of Living
134 Respondents
Question # 1.2 Years Percentage
H0ow many years 0 – 5 years 4.48 %
are you living
6 – 10 years 14.93 %
here?
11 – 30 years 35.07 %
More than 30 years 45.52 %
Source: Field study using survey questionnaire
Table 1.1 shows the average years that the respondents have lived in the area. It is
presented from the table that most of the respondents in the area have lived more than 30
years wherein 45.52% of the respondents. Followed by 11-30 years which is 35.07%, 6-
10 years which is 14.93% and 0-5 years which is 4.48%.
This help to validate the answers of the respondents, enabling the researchers to
determine the respondents years of living at the area of study and to cultivate their
exposure to their source of potable water.

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Table 1.2
Average Members of Households
134 Respondents
Question # 1.1 No. of Members Percentage
How many 1 – 5 members 54.48 %
members do you
6 – 10 members 41.04 %
have in your
households? 11 – 30 members 2.99 %
More than 30 1.49 %
Table 1.2 shows the average members of households in Barangay Mabini,
Mayorga, Leyte. It is shown from the table that most of the households in the area have
an average of 1-5 members which is 54.48% from the respondents. Followed by 6-10
members, wherein 41.04%, 11-30 members wherein 2.99% and more than 30 members
wherein they all have 1.49% in common.
This will show on how many family members will be affected to the quality of
water they are using and to determine the residents of the area of study of their source of
potable water.
Table 1.3
Responsible for Collecting Water

134 Respondents
Question # 1.4 Responsible for collecting Percentage
water
In your household,
who is responsible for Adult Male 69.75 %
collecting water?
Adult Female 14.20 %
Male Children 10.49 %
Female Children 5.56 %

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Table 1.3 shows the member of the family responsible for collecting water for
their households. The table indicates that the member of a household responsible for
collecting water is Adult Male wherein 69.75%. It was then followed by Adult Female
wherein 14.20%, Male Children wherein 10.49% and Female Children wherein 5.56%.
Some household’s members do alternate ways for collecting water.
This will help the researchers to identify the responsible family member on
collecting the water they use to consume. The survey discern that adults were most often
identified as the main person responsible for collecting water.
Table 1.4
Source of Drinking Water
134 Respondents
Question # Source of Water Percentage
1.3
Hand Pump 75.05 %
What is your
Deep Well 3.38 %
main source
of water? Mineral Water 17.57 %
Table 1.4 shows the sources of drinking water in the households. It is inferred
from the table that most of the households in the area are using water from Hand Pump as
their main source of drinking water wherein 75.05% of the respondents. Followed by
Mineral water which is 17.57% and Deep Well which is 3.38%.

26
Table 2.1
Condition of Water 10 years ago
134 Respondents
Question # Condition of Water Percentage
1.5
Clean 76.12 %
What is the
Turbid 0%
condition of
your water 10 Smelly 23.88 %
years ago?
Table 2.1 shows the condition of water 10 years ago for each households. It can
be gleaned from the table that 76.12% of the households at Barangay Mabini has clean
water 10 years ago. It is followed by smelly water from 10 years ago wherein 23.88%.
The respondents of each household have not experienced a turbid condition of water from
the past 10 years.
Table 2.2
Drinking Water Nowadays

134 Respondents
Question # Condition of Water Percentage
2.2
Clean 97.01 %
How do you
Turbid 0%
describe your
drinking Smelly 2.99 %
water
nowadays?
Table 2.2 shows the condition of water nowadays for each households. It can be
gleaned from the table that 97.01% of the households at Barangay Mabini have clean
water nowadays. It is followed by smelly water which the respondents experience present
27
day wherein 2.99%. The households have not experience turbid water from the present
time.
Table 2.3
Consumed Water is Safe
134 Respondents
Question # 2.3 Answer of Respondents Percentage
Is there a time that Yes 13.43 %

you can say that the No 52.99 %
water your family is
consuming is not Sometimes 33.58 %
safe? Never 0%
Table 2.3 shows the respondents that has thought if the water they are
consuming are safe for their family. The table shows that most of the respondents has not
thought if the water they are consuming is safe which 52.99% is. It is followed by
33.58% that sometimes thought of the safety of the water they are consuming and 13.43%
answered that they always think about the safety of water they consume. None of the
respondents answered that they never thought of the safety of their water.
Table 2.4
Respondents that Answered Yes
18 Respondents
Condition of Water Percentage
Question # 2.4 With solid contaminants 0%
If it is a yes, in what Causes disease 61.11 %

situation? Smelly 33.33 %
With different odor 5.56 %
28
Table 2.4 shows the causes of the respondents that think about the safety of the
water they are consuming. The table indicates that most of the respondents thought about
the safety of their water because it causes disease wherein 61.11%. It is followed by
smelly water wherein 33.33% and because the water they consume has different odor
wherein 5.56%. None of the respondents think of the safety of their water because of
solid contaminants.
Table 2.5
Drinking Water doesn’t cause Disease
134 Respondents
Answer of Respondents Percentage
Question # 2.5 Yes 23.88 %
Does your drinking No 61.19 %

water cause disease? Sometimes 12.69 %
Never 2.24 %
Table 2.5 shows the households that suffer disease from their drinking water. It
is seen from the table that out of 134 respondents, 61.19% said NO, and 23.88% said
YES, 12.69% said SOMETIMES and 2.24% said NEVER.
Table 2.6
Kinds of Diseases
32 Respondents
Kind of Diseases Percentage
Diarrhea 90.63 %
Question # 2.6
Dysentery 0%
What kind of disease?
Typhoid 3.13 %
Amoebiasis 6.25 %

29
Table 2.6 identify what kind of diseases that can be cause from their
drinking water. The table inferred that out of 134 respondents who answered YES from
the third question, 90.63% said Diarrhea, no one said Dysentery, 3.13% said Typhoid,
and 6.25% says Amoebiasis. The result concluded that diarrhea is the common disease
caused from their drinking water.
Table 2.7
Wastewater Disposition
134 Respondents
Types of Disposition Percentage
To The Drainage 27.36 %

Question # 2.7
To The River 8.96 %
Where do you dispose
Sewage System 5.97 %
your wastewater?
Open Land 50.75 %
Other type of disposition 6.97 %

Table 2.7 shows how they dispose of their waste water. The table indicates that
out of 134 respondents, they dispose their waste water through Open Land wherein
50.74%. It is followed by the disposal through Drainage wherein 27.36%, by disposing
through the River wherein 8.96%, by other types of disposing waste water like reusing
water wherein 6.97%, and by disposing through Sewage System wherein 5.97%. The
result indicate that the respondents dispose their waste water through Open Land.
30
Table 2.8
Solid Waste Disposition
134 Respondents
Types of Disposition Percentage
Burning 62.19 %
Question # 2.8
Collected 0%
How do you dispose
Segregation 7.46 %
your solid waste?
Thrown 28.36 %
Other type of disposition 1.99 %

Table 2.8 shows how they dispose their solid waste. The table inferred that out of
134 respondents, they dispose their solid waste by burning wherein 62.19%. It was
followed by disposing through Throwing wherein 28.36%, by disposing through
Segregation wherein 7.46%, and disposing through other type of disposing wherein
1.99%. None answered by collecting their solid waste. The result shows that the
respondents dispose their solid waste by burning.
Table 3.1
Adequate Source of Water
134 Respondents
Do you have Yes 67.16 %
adequate source of
No 29.10 %
water?
Sometimes 3.74 %
Never 0%
Table 3.1 shows if the households have an adequate source of water. It is shown
from the table that out of 134 respondents, 67.16% said YES, and 29.10% said NO, and
31
3.74% said SOMETIMES. No one answer NEVER. The results indicate that the
households have adequate source of water.
Table 3.2
Household Water Treatment
134 Respondents
Do you treat your Yes 10.45 %
water in your
No 82.84 %
households?
Sometimes 3.73 %
Never 2.99 %
Table 3.2 shows if the respondents treat their water in their households. It is
shown from the table that out of 134 respondents, 82.84% said NO, and 10.45% said
YES, 3.73% said SOMETIMES, and 2.99% said NEVER. The results indicate that the
households don’t treat their water before drinking.
Table 3.3
Household Treatment of Water
134 Respondents
Question # 3.3 Types of Treatment Percentage
How do you treat Boil 9.70 %
water in your
Let is settle for a day 2.24 %
households?
Filter 3.73 %
Medicines 0%
None 84.33 %
Table 3.3 shows how they treat water in their households. The data signifies that
the respondents answered NONE wherein 84.33% in which they don’t treat water in their
32
households. It is followed by Boiling wherein 9.70%, by Filter wherein 3.73%, and by
letting it settle for a day wherein 2.24%. None answered by using medicine to treat their
water. The result shows that the respondents don’t treat their water by any types of
treatment.
Table 3.4
Domestic Animals
134 Respondents
Do you have Yes 64.93 %
domestic animals?
No 35.07 %
Table 3.4 shows the average households that have domestic animals. It is
inferred from the table that 64.93% of the households in Barangay Mabini have a
domestic animals and 35.07% don’t have a domestic animal.
Table 3.5
Disposal of Animal Waste
87 Respondents
Question # 3.5 Types of Disposal Percentage
How do you dispose Burying 12.64 %
those animal waste?
Open Land 72.42 %
Catch Basin 12.64 %
Collected 1.15 %
Other type of disposal 1.15 %
Table 3.5 shows the means of disposal for the respondents who answered YES.
The table shows that Open Land is a way of disposing for the 72.42% respondents. It is
followed by Burying and through Catch Basin wherein 12.64% responded. By collected
33
and other type of disposal are responded by 1.15%. The result signifies that most of the
households in Barangay Mabini dispose their animal waste through Open Land.
Table 3.6
Flooding During Heavy Rain
134 Respondents
Does your area Yes 59.70 %
experienced
No 14.93 %
flooding during
heavy rain? Sometimes 25.37 %
Never 0%
Table 3.6 shows the households that experience flooding during heavy rains. The
data from the table signifies that most of the respondents experience flooding during
heavy rains which is 59.70%. It is followed by 14.96% that don’t experience flooding
during heavy rains and 25.37% answered sometimes. None of the respondents answer
that they never experience flooding in their area.
The researchers submitted water samples from Barangay Mabini, Mayorga,
Leyte to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) for the analysis of the
water quality. The types of analysis were Total Coliform Count and E. Coli Count.
Table 4.1
Water Quality Result Analysis at Barangay Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte
34
Source of
Results of Analysis Remarks
Sample Total Fecal HPC
Hand Pump
8 8 FAILED
(Sample 1)
The water sample was taken last March 26, 2019 at 1:15 pm in Barangay
Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte. Hand pump is the source of sample for water quality analysis in
the area. The 100 ml water sample had undergone water quality test, FAILED as a
remark means that the water near the church in barangay Mabini is prone to
contamination.
Table 4.2
Water Quality Result Analysis at Barangay Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte
The water sample was taken last March 26, 2019 at 1:22 pm in Barangay
Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte. Hand pump is the source of sample for water quality analysis in
the area. The 100 ml water sample had undergone water quality test, PASSED as a
Source of
Results of Analysis Remarks
Sample
Total Fecal HPC
Hand Pump
<1.1 <1.1 PASSED
(Sample 2)
remark means that the water near the National Road in barangay Mabini might be
suitable for drinking.

35
Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW):
Refilling Station Public Water Supplies
MPN/100 ml Total Coliform - Less than 1.1 or 0 -
MPN/100 ml Fecal Coliform - Less than 1.1 or 0 Less than 1.1 or 0
Heterothropic Plate Count, CFU/m Less than 500 Less than 500
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter summarizes the study the researchers conducted. The conclusions
given were drawn from the outcomes of the research and the observations on the quality
36
of water of respondents of the households in Barangay Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte.
Moreover, recommendations were based from the findings and conclusion of the study.
Summary of Findings
The findings that resulted from this research are as follows:
Based on the data analyzed, the researchers came up with the following findings:
1. Domestic water availability is one of the basic needs of human survival. Results
revealed that different water supply arrangements were found in the study area namely
hand pumps, deep wells and mineral water. Hand pump was the main source of drinking
water in each households. Deep well was an alternative source of drinking water for
households that are far from the main source of water like hand pumps and can’t afford to
buy mineral water.
2. The majority of the condition of water ten years ago at the area of study has been
clean prior to the respondents, followed by a smelly condition of water. The condition of
their water nowadays are clean according to the respondents and followed by of smelly
condition of water. Each households has not experienced a turbid condition of water.
3. Potable water free from harmful microorganisms and substances, even if it may
have color, odor, or taste problem due to dissolved mineral. The results confirmed that
the respondents have not thought if the water they are consuming are safe for their
family. None of the respondents thought about the safety of the water they are consuming
was because of solid contaminants to their potable water.
4. Waterborne diseases are caused by drinking contaminated or dirty water. Most of
households in the area has not suffered diseases by consuming their drinking water but
there are respondents who has suffered diseases by drinking water.

37
5. Wastewater is a water that has been used in washing, flushing, manufacturing,
etc.; sewage. The households at the area dispose their wastewater through open land.
Only few of the households uses the sewage system as a kind of disposing method. Solid
waste is the unwanted or useless solid materials generated from human activities.
6. Animal waste means animal excreta, discarded products, bedding, wash waters,
waste feed, and silage drainage. The result indicated that the households have domestic
animals, their way of disposing animal waste is through open land. Burying and using
catch basin is another method of disposing animal waste.
7. Adequate water mean provision of and access to clean, fresh, potable water.
Water treatment is any process that improves the quality of water to make it more
acceptable for a specific end-use. Majority of the households don’t treat their drinking
water.
8. The water sample that was taken last March 26, 2019 at 1:15 pm in Barangay
Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte which is shown in Table 19. Hand pump is the source of sample
for water quality analysis in the area. The 100 ml water sample had undergone water
quality test, FAILED as a remark means that the water near the church in barangay
Mabini is prone to contamination.
Conclusions
The following conclusions made by the researchers were based on the findings or
results of this research study.
1. The main source of water in the barangay is hand pump but some area in the
barangay uses deep wells.

38
2. Most commonly waterborne diseases that the residents at the barangay suffered
from, are diarrhea experienced by consuming their drinking water.
3. The common method that the households uses as a means of disposing their solid
waste is through burning. The households don’t dispose their solid wastes through
collecting method, the respondents answered that their municipality don’t have this kind
of method as a means of disposing their waste.
4. Mostly the residents of the barangay dispose their wastewater in an open land
likewise the animal waste
5. Based on the survey conducted, most of the residents of the barangay don’t treat
their water in their household. But some of them treat their water by boiling.
6. Though the water is safe still there is a sample that failed during the test and it
will give danger factor to the person who drink the water.
The aforementioned conclusions made by the researchers were based on the
results of the analyzed data gathered and the laboratory result that EVRMC presented.
Thus, the researchers will be able to devise recommendations based on these findings.
Recommendations
The potable water quality is playing a vital role in maintaining the function of
society. However, it is true that there are growing concerns among the public over the
potable water quality due to the contamination of the source. There is also a sense of
distrust in the quality of drinking water.

39
Based on the findings and conclusions, here are the following recommendations
made.
1. There should be a partnership between the LGU of Mayorga and La Paz Water
System (LaPWaS) in order to provide an adequate water supply to Barangay Mabini.
2. The officials of the barangay should be made aware of the results of the water
tests and so they might be able to make efforts to improve the credibility of the quality of
drinking water and make it acceptable to the residents.
3. The residents of the barangay should go advance in trying to recycle their wastes
instead of dumping them for rain water to sweep these refuse into their rivers and
streams making them undrinkable.
4. The researchers recommend that the Barangay Officials should establish agencies
to monitor their environment and equally to be sure that their environment is kept clean
and free from dumps
5. Each family of the Barangay should equally inculcate a hygienic environment
particularly in their vicinity.
6. It is recommended that the LGU of Mayorga should provide Ceramic Water Filter
with the collaboration of Eastern Visayas State University Tanauan Campus who will be
producing the Ceramic Water Filter.

40
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. Published
Emmanuel Joshua Gereta, “The Importance of Water Quality and Quantity in the tropical
Ecosystems, 2014
Fari Dabad, “Groundwater Quality in Shallow Aquifers of India, 2010
Christy Vogt MPH CHES, Roy Irving, Ph.D, Jenny Camponesch, MS, Megan
Christenson MS MPH, Paul Creswell, Ph.D, “What’s in your Water? A look at
Private Well Water Quality in Wisconsin”, 2017
41
J.Arle, K.Blondzik, U. Claussen; A. Duffek, S.Grimm, F.Hilligies, A. Hoffman, W.

Leujak, V. Mohaupt, S. Naumann, U. Pirntke, S.Richter, P.Schilling, C.Schoeter-
Kermani, A.Ullrich, J.Wellmitz, S.Werner, R.Wolter, “Water Resource
Management in Germany Part 2: Water Quality”, 2013
Richard D. Robarts, Sabrina J. Barker, Scott Evans, “Water Quality Monitoring and
Assessment: Current Status and Future Needs, 2012
Susane Wuijts, Peter P.J Driessen, Helena F.M.W. Van Rijswick, “Towards More
Effective Water Quality Governance: A review of Social- Economic, Legal and
Thesis Interactions”, 2018
B. Unpublished
Andrew Moxey, “Agriculture and Water Quality: Monetary costs and Benefits across
OCED Countries”, 2012
Dr. Kenneth Mirvis, Cathryn Delude, “The Writing Company in Watertown, MA, 2011
G. Fred Lee, R. Anne Jones, Brooks W. Newbry, “Water Quality”, 2010
Mahid Randa, Angelica Florendo, Reymark Pica, Mark Harold Orbe, “Wastewater
Management in Brgy. Canramos, Licod, Buntay and San Roque, Tanauan,
Leyte”, 2017
UNICEF Handbook on Water Quality, 2010
Maryse D. Gautier, Rahul Raturi, Watershed Management Section, “Water Quality

Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington”, 2016
WssTP – The European Technology Platform for Water “THE VALUE OF WATER,
2016 “Women, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, 2015”
C. Internet Sources
https://www.unwater.org/app/uploads/2017/05/waterquality_policybrief
https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/BPU/Supplemental
%20Guide/Chapter%201
https://floridaadep.gov/sites/default/files/2018_integrated_reports
https://floridaadep.gov/sites/default/files/2016-Integrated-Report
42
https://iwaponline.com/wp/article/12/1/1/19560/Factors-influencing-public-perception-
of-drinking
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1018420229802https://www.who.int/water_sa
nitation_health/piblications/2011/dwq_guidlines/en/
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/183646/13/13_chapter4
https://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/water/quality/Water_Quality
https://www.nilim.go.jp/lab/bcg/siryou/tnn/tnn0264pdf/ks0264011
https://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/rules/njac7_9b
https://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/rules/njac7_9c
https://www.reefplan.q/d.gov.au/about/assets/reef_2005_water_quality_improvement_pla
n_2017_22
https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resourcesquality/wqmchap2.Chapter 2
https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/2edvol3d
https://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/hwrp/publications/Technical_report_series/TR-
No3water_quality_monitoring_systems
https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/4de/4de02po/4de02po
43
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A-1
Letter to Engr. Marites M. Bardelas

44
APPENDIX A-2
Letter to Hon. Valente O. Adolfo

45
APPENDIX A-3
Letter to Hon. Rebecca Villamo

46
APPENDIX B-1
Sample of Survey Questionnaire
Eastern Visayas State University

Tanauan Campus
Tanauan, Leyte
47
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear Respondents,
We, the students of Eastern Visayas State University- Tanauan Campus pursuing
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering are carrying out a research entitled “A Study of
Potable Water Quality in Barangay Mabini, Mayorga,Leyte”.
We are humbly asking for your time in answering some questions about our
study. Rest assured that the information given will be for academic purposes only and
will be kept confidential.
Thank you for your support to the realization of this study.
-The Researchers
APPENDIX B-2
Survey Questionnaire
Name of Interviewee : _________________________________ Age: _______
Barangay: ____________________________________________ Respondent No.: __
Instruction: Read carefully the question and put a check mark on the choices below.
Multiple responses are possible for the items
48
Part I:
1. How many members do you have in your household?
(Pira kamo ha iyo pamilya?)
1-5 6-10 11-15 others. Pls. Specify _______
2. How many years are you living here?

(Pira na kamo katu-ig nga naukoy dinhi?)
0-5 yrs. 6-10 yrs. 11-30 yrs. More than 30 yrs.
3. What is your main source of drinking water?

(Ano it iyo primero na gin kukuhaan hin tubig na inomon?)
Hand Pump Deep Well Mineral Water
4. In your household who is the responsible for collecting water?

(Ha iyo panimalay, hin-o it nag aatiman pag kuha hin iyo irinomon na tubig)
Adult Male Adult Female Male Children Female Children
5. What is the condition of your water 10 years ago?

(Ano an kabutang han iyo gin iinom na tubig napolo ka tuig an naglabay?)
Clean Turbid Smelly
malimpyo malubog may baho
Part II.
1. Does your area experienced flooding during heavy rain?
(It iyo lugar ba naka eksperiyensya hin pag baha kun makusog na uran?)
Yes No Sometimes Never
2. How do you describe your drinking water nowadays?

Clean Turbid Smelly
malimpyo malubog may baho
3. Is there a time that you can say that the water your family is consuming is not
safe?
4. If it is a Yes, in what situation?

With solid contaminants cause disease Smelly with different
odor
Others: ____________________________
5. Does your drinking water cause disease?

49
6. What kind of disease?

Diarrhea Dysentery Typhoid Amoebiasis
7. Where do you dispose your waste water?

To the Drainage to the river Sewage System
Others: ________________
8. How do you dispose your solid waste?

(Gin aano niyo paghapil an iyo mga siot?)
Burning Collected Segregation Thrown
Others: ____________
Part III
1. Do you have adequate source of water?
2. Do you treat your water in the household?

3. How do you treat water in your household?

Boil let it settle for a day Fitter medicines None
(gin lalaso Gin Papalugdang Gin Sasar-a Gin Bubutangan Medisina Waray
la)
APPENDIX C
Water Code
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES Metro Manila

TWELFTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) OF THE PHILIPPINES) Third Regular
Session)
REPUBLIC ACT 9275
50
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY

MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1 Declaration of Principles and Policies

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Clean Water Act
of 2004.”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a
manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh,
brackish and marine waters. To achieve this end, the framework for sustainable
development shall be pursued. As such, it shall be the policy of the State:
a) To streamline processes and procedures in the prevention, control and abatement of
pollution of the country’s water resources;
b) To promote environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic instruments and of
control mechanisms for the protection of water resources;
c) To formulate a holistic national program of water quality management that recognizes
that water quality management issues cannot be separated from concerns about water
sources and ecological protection, water supply, public health and quality of life;
d) To formulate an integrated water quality management framework through proper
delegation and effective coordination of functions and activities;
e) To promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environment
friendly and energy efficient;
f) To encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries through
the application of incentives and market-based instruments and to promote the role of
private industrial enterprises in shaping its regulatory profile within the acceptable
boundaries of public health and environment;
g) To provide for a comprehensive management program for water pollution focusing on
pollution prevention;
h) To promote public information and education and to encourage the participation of an
informed and active public in water quality management and monitoring;
51
i) To formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long-term adverse
environmental impact of a project, program or activity; and
j) To encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the academe and
business undertaking environment-related activities in their efforts to organize, educate
and motivate the people in addressing pertinent environmental issues and problems at the
local and national levels.
SEC. 3. Coverage of the Act. – This Act shall apply to water quality management in all
water bodies: Provided, That it shall primarily apply to the abatement and control of
pollution from land based sources: Provided, further, That the water quality standards and
regulations and the civil liability and penal provisions under this Act shall be enforced
irrespective of sources of pollution.
Article 2
Definition of Terms
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
a) Aquifer - means a layer of water-bearing rock located underground that transmits
water in sufficient quantity to supply pumping wells or natural springs.
b) Aquatic life - means all organisms living in freshwater, brackish and marine
environments.
c) Beneficial use - means the use of the environment or any element or segment thereof
conducive to public or private welfare, safety and health; and shall include, but not be
limited to, the use of water for domestic, municipal, irrigation, power generation,
fisheries, livestock raising, industrial, recreational and other purposes.
1. Use of water for domestic purposes - means the utilization of water for drinking,
washing, bathing, cooking or other household needs, home gardens and watering of
lawns or domestic animals;
2. Use of water for municipal purposes - means the utilization of water for supplying
water requirements of the community;
3. Use of water for irrigation - means the utilization of water for producing agricultural
crops;
4. Use of water for power generation - means the utilization of water for producing
electrical or mechanical power;
5. Use of water for fisheries - means the utilization of water for the propagation of culture
of fish as a commercial enterprise;
52
6. Use of water for livestock raising - means the utilization of water for large herds or
flocks of animals raised as a commercial enterprise;
7. Use of water for industrial purposes - means the utilization of water in factories,
industrial plants and mines, including the use of water as an ingredient of a finished
product; and
8. Use of water for recreational purposes - means the utilization of water for swimming
pools, bath houses, boating, water skiing, golf courses and other similar facilities in
resorts and other places of recreation.
d) Classification/Reclassification of Philippine Waters – means the categorization of all
water bodies taking into account, among others, the following:
(1) existing quality of the body of water;
(2) size, depth, surface area covered, volume, direction, rate of flow and gradient of
stream;
(3) most beneficial existing and future use of said bodies of water and lands bordering
them, such as for residential, agricultural, aquacultural, commercial, industrial,
navigational, recreational, wildlife conservation and aesthetic purposes; and
(4) vulnerability of surface and groundwater to contamination from pollutive and
hazardous wastes, agricultural chemicals and underground storage tanks of petroleum
products.
e) Civil Society - means non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s
organizations (POs).
f) Cleaner production - means the application of an integrated, preventive environmental
strategy to processes, products, services to increase efficiency and reduce risks to humans
and the environment;
g) Clean-up operations - means activities involving the removal of pollutants discharged
or spilled into a water body and its surrounding areas, and the restoration of the affected
areas to their former physical, chemical and biological state or conditions.
h) Contamination - means the introduction of substances not found in the natural
composition of water that make the water less desirable or unfit for intended use.
i) Department - means the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
j) Discharge includes, but is not limited to, the act of spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring,
emitting, emptying, releasing or dumping of any material into a water body oronto land
from which it might flow or drain into said water.
53
k) Drinking water - means water intended for human consumption or for use in food
preparation.
l) Dumping - means any unauthorized or illegal disposal into any body of water or land of
wastes or toxic or hazardous material: Provided, That it does not mean a release of
effluent coming from commercial, industrial, and domestic sources which are within the
effluent standards.
m) Effluent - means discharges from known source which is passed into a body of water
or land, or wastewater flowing out of a manufacturing plant, industrial plant including
domestic, commercial and recreational facilities.
n) Effluent standard - means any legal restriction or limitation on quantities, rates, and/or
concentrations or any combination thereof, of physical, chemical or biological parameters
of effluent which a person or point source is allowed to discharge into a body of water or
land.
o) Environmental management - means the entire system which includes, but is not
limited to, conservation, regulation and minimization of pollution, clean production,
waste management, environmental law and policy, environmental education and
information, study and mitigation of the environmental impacts of human activity, and
environmental research.
p) Environmental management system - means the part of the overall management
system that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities,
practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving,
reviewing and maintaining the environmental policy.
q) Freshwater - means water containing less than 500 ppm dissolved common salt,
sodium chloride, such as that in groundwater, rivers, ponds and lakes.
r) Groundwater - means a subsurface water that occurs beneath a water table in soils and
rocks, or in geological formations.
s) Groundwater vulnerability - means relative ease with which a contaminant located at
or near the land surface can migrate to the aquifer or deep well.
t) Groundwater vulnerability map - means the identified areas of the land surface where
groundwater quality is most at risk from human activities and shall reflect the different
degrees of groundwater vulnerability based on a range of soil properties and hydro-
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geological criteria to serve as guide in the protection of the groundwater from

contamination.
u) Hazardous waste - means any waste or combination of wastes of solid, liquid,
contained gaseous, or semi-solid form which cause, or contribute to, an increase in
mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness, taking
into account toxicity of such waste, its persistence and degradability in nature, its
potential for accumulation or concentration in tissue, and other factors that may otherwise
cause or contribute to adverse acute or chronic effects on the health of persons or
organism.
v) Industrial waste - means any solid, semi-solid or liquid waste material with no
commercial value released by a manufacturing or processing plant other than excluded
material.
w) Integrated Water Quality Management Framework – means the policy guideline
integrating all the existing frameworks prepared by all government agencies on water
quality involving pollution from all sources. Specifically, the framework shall contain the
following:
a) Water quality goals and targets;
(b) Period of compliance;
(c) Water pollution control strategies and techniques;
(d) Water quality information and education program;
(e) Human resources development program.
x) Margin - means a landward and outer limiting edge adjacent to the border of any water
bodies or a limit beyond where saturation zone ceases to exist.
y) National Water Quality Status Report – means a report to be prepared by the
Department indicating:
(a) the location of water bodies, their water quality, taking into account seasonal, tidal
and other variations, existing and potential uses and sources of pollution per specific
pollutant and pollution load assessment;
(b) Water quality management areas pursuant to Section 5 of this Act; and (c) water
classification.
z) Non-point source - means any source of pollution not identifiable as point source to
include, but not be limited to, runoff from irrigation or rainwater which picks up
pollutants from farms and urban areas.
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aa) Point source - means any identifiable source of pollution with specific point of
discharge into a particular water body.
bb) Pollutant - shall refer to any substance, whether solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive,
which directly or indirectly:
(i) alters the quality of any segment of the receiving water body so as to affect or
tend to affect adversely any beneficial use thereof;
(ii) is hazardous or potentially hazardous to health;
(iii) imparts objectionable odor, temperature change, or physical, chemical or
biological change to any segment of the water body; or
(iv) Is in excess of the allowable limits or concentrations or quality standards
specified, or in contravention of the condition, limitation or restriction
prescribed in this Act.
cc) Pollution control technology - means pollution control devices or apparatus,
processes, or other means that effectively prevent, control or reduce pollution of
water caused by effluents and other discharges, from any point source at levels within
the water pollution standards.
dd) Potentially infectious medical waste - includes isolation wastes, infectious agents,
human blood and blood products, pathological wastes, sharps, body parts,
contaminated bedding, surgical wastes, and other disposable medical equipment and
material that may pose a risk to the public health, welfare or the marine environment.
ee) Secretary - means the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
ff) Septage - means the sludge produced on individual onsite waste water disposal
systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools.
gg) Sewage - means water-borne human or animal wastes, excluding oil or oil wastes,
removed from residences, buildings, institutions, industrial and commercial
establishments together with such groundwater, surface water and storm water as
maybe present including such waste from vessels, offshore structures, other
receptacles intended to receive or retain wastes, or other places or the combination
thereof.
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hh) Sewerage - includes, but is not limited to, any system or network of pipelines,
ditches, channels, or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force
mains, service connections including other constructions, devices, and appliances
appurtenant thereto, which involves the collection, transport, pumping and treatment
of sewage to a point of disposal. ii) Sludge - means any solid, semi-solid or liquid
waste or residue generated from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment
plant, or water control pollution facility, or any other such waste having similar
characteristics and effects.
jj) Surface water - means all water which is open to the atmosphere and subject to
surface runoff.
kk) Treatment - means any method, technique, or process designed to alter the
physical, chemical or biological and radiological character or composition of any
waste or wastewater to reduce or prevent pollution.
ll) Toxic amount - means the lowest amount of concentration of toxic pollutants
which may cause chronic or long-term acute or lethal conditions or effects to the
aquatic life or health of persons or which may adversely affect designated water uses.
mm) Waste - means any material either solid, liquid, semisolid, contained gas or other
forms resulting from industrial, commercial, mining or agricultural operations, or from
community and household activities that is devoid of usage and discarded.
nn) Wastewater - means waste in liquid state containing pollutants.
oo) Water body - means both natural and man-made bodies of fresh, brackish, and saline
waters, and includes, but is not limited to, aquifers, groundwater, springs, creeks, streams,
rivers, ponds, lagoons, water reservoirs, lakes, bays, estuarine, coastal and marine waters.
Water bodies do not refer to those constructed, developed and used purposely as water
treatment facilities and/or water storage for recycling and re-use which are integral to
process industry or manufacturing.
pp) Water pollution - means any alteration of the physical, chemical or biological or
radiological properties of a water body resulting in the impairment of its purity or quality.
qq) Water quality - means the characteristics of water which define its use in terms of
physical, chemical, biological, bacteriological or radiological characteristics by which the
acceptability of water is evaluated.
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rr) Water quality guidelines - means the level for a water constituent or numerical values
of physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological or radiological parameters which are
used to classify water resources and their use, which does not result in significant health
risk and which are not intended for direct enforcement but only for water quality
management purposes, such as determining time trends, evaluating stages of
deterioration or enhancement of the water quality, and as basis for taking positive action
in preventing, controlling or abating water pollution.
ss) Water Quality Management Area Action Plan - includes, but not be limited to, the
following:
(a) Goals and targets including sewerage or septage program;
(b) Schedule of compliance to meet the applicable requirements of this Act;
(c) Water pollution control strategies or techniques;
(d) Water quality information and education program;
(e) Resource requirement and possible sources; (f) enforcement procedures of the plan;
and
(g) Rewards and incentives under Chapter 4 of this Act.
CHAPTER 2
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Article 1 General Provisions
SEC. 5. Water Quality Management Area. - The Department, in coordination with
National Water Resources Board (NWRB), shall designate certain areas as water quality
management areas using appropriate physiographic units such as watershed, river basins
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or water resources regions. Said management areas shall have similar hydrological,
hydrogeological, meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the
physicochemical, biological and bacteriological reactions and diffusions of pollutants in
the water bodies, or otherwise share common interest or face similar development
programs, prospects, or problems. Said management area shall be governed by a
governing board composed of representatives of mayors and governors of member local
government units (LGUs), and representatives of relevant national government agencies,
duly registered nongovernmental organization, water utility sector, and business sector.
The Department representative shall chair the governing board. In the case of the LGUs
with memberships on more than one (1) management board, the LGU shall designate
only one (1) single representative for all the management areas where it is a member. The
governing board shall formulate strategies to coordinate policies necessary for the
effective implementation of this Act in accordance with those established in the
framework and monitor the compliance with the action plan. Each management area shall
create a multi-sectoral group to establish and effect water quality surveillance and
monitoring network including sampling schedules and other similar activities. The group
shall submit its report and recommendation to the chairman of the governing board.
A technical secretariat for each management area is hereby created which shall be part of
the Department and shall provide technical support to the governing board. They shall be
composed of at least four (4) members who shall have the following minimum
qualifications:
a) One (1) member shall be a member of the Philippine Bar;
b) One (1) member shall be a Chemical Engineer, Chemist, Sanitary Engineer,

Environmental Engineer or Ecologist or have significant training and experience in
chemistry;
c) One (1) member shall be a Civil Engineer or Hydrologist or have significant training
and experience in closely related fields and mainly experience on ground water,
respectively; and
d) One (1) member shall be a Geologist or Biologist or have significant training and
experience in closely related fields.
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The areas within the jurisdiction of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA)
shall be designated as one management area under the administration of LLDA in
accordance with Republic Act No. 4850, as amended: Provided, however, That the
standards promulgated pursuant to this Act and wastewater charge system established
pursuant hereof shall be enforced in said area.
SEC. 6. Management of Non-Attainment Areas. - The Department shall designate water
bodies, or portions thereof, where specific pollutants from either natural or man-made
source have already exceeded water quality guidelines as non-attainment areas for the
exceeded pollutants. It shall prepare and implement a program that will not allow new
sources of exceeded water pollutant in nonattainment areas without a corresponding
reduction in discharges from existing sources: Provided, That if the pollutant is naturally
occurring, e.g. naturally high boron and other elements in geothermal areas, discharge of
such pollutant may be allowed: Provided, further, That the effluent concentration of
discharge shall not exceed the naturally occurring level of such pollutant in the area:
Provided, finally, That the effluent concentration and volume of discharge shall not
adversely affect water supply, public health and ecological protection. The Department
shall, in coordination with NWRB, Department of Health (DOH), Department of
Agriculture (DA), governing board and other concerned government agencies and private
sectors shall take such measures as may be necessary to upgrade the quality of such water
in non-attainment areas to meet the standards under which it has been classified.
Upgrading of water quality shall likewise include undertakings which shall improve the
water quality of a water body to a classification that will meet its projected or potential
use. The LGUs shall prepare and implement contingency plans and other measures
including relocation, whenever necessary, for the protection of health and welfare of the
residents within potentially affected areas.
SEC. 7. National Sewerage and Septage Management Program. - The Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through its relevant attached agencies, in
coordination with the Department, LGUs and other concerned agencies, shall, as soon as
possible, but in no case exceeding a period of twelve (12) months from the effectivity of
this Act, prepare a national program on sewerage and septage management in connection
with Section 8 hereof. Such program shall include a priority listing of sewerage, septage
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and combined sewerage-septage projects for LGUs based on population density and
growth, degradation of water resources, topography, geology, vegetation,
programs/projects for the rehabilitation of existing facilities and such other factors that
the Secretary may deem relevant to the protection of water quality. On the basis of such
national listing, the national government may allot, on an annual basis, funds for the
construction and rehabilitation of required facilities.
Each LGU shall appropriate the necessary land, including the required rights-ofway/ road
access to the land for the construction of the sewage and/or septage treatment facilities.
Each LGU may raise funds to subsidize necessary expenses for the operation and
maintenance of sewerage treatment or septage facility servicing their area of jurisdiction
through local property taxes and enforcement of a service fee system.
SEC. 8. Domestic Sewage Collection, Treatment and Disposal. - Within five (5) years
following the effectivity of this Act, the agency vested to provide water supply and
sewerage facilities and/or concessionaires in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized
cities (HUCs) as defined in Republic Act No. 7160, in coordination with LGUs, shall be
required to connect the existing sewage line found in all subdivisions, condominiums,
commercial centers, hotels, sports and recreational facilities, hospitals, market places,
public buildings, industrial complex and other similar establishments including
households to available sewerage system: Provided, That the said connection shall be
subject to sewerage services charge/fees in accordance with existing laws, rules or
regulations unless the sources had already utilized their own sewerage system: Provided,
further, That all sources of sewage and septage shall comply with the requirements
herein. In areas not considered as HUCs, the DPWH in coordination with the
Department, DOH and other concerned agencies, shall employ septage or combined
sewerage-septage management system.
For the purpose of this section, the DOH, in coordination with other government
agencies, shall formulate guidelines and standards for the collection, treatment and
disposal of sewage including guidelines for the establishment and operation of
centralized sewage treatment system.
SEC. 9. National Water Quality Management Fund. - A water quality management fund,
to be administered by the Department, in coordination with other concerned agencies, as
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a special account in the National Treasury is hereby established. The fund shall be used to
finance the following:
a) Finance containment and clean-up operations of the government in water pollution

cases;
b) Guarantee restoration of ecosystems and rehabilitation of affected areas;
c) Support research, enforcement and monitoring activities;
d) Provide technical assistance to the implementing agencies;
e) Grant rewards and incentives;
f) Support information and educational campaign; and
g) Such other disbursements made solely for the prevention, control or abatement of
water pollution and management and administration of the management areas in the
amounts authorized by the Department.
The fines imposed and damages awarded to the government by the Pollution
Adjudication Board (PAB), proceeds of permits issued by the Department under this Act,
donations, endowments and grants in the form of contributions to the national
government under this Act shall form part of the fund. Such donations, endowments and
grants shall be exempt from donor’s taxes and all other taxes, charges or fees imposed by
the government and shall be deductible from the gross income of the donor for income
tax purposes.
Disbursements from the fund shall be subject to the usual accounting and budgeting rules
and regulations.
SEC. 10. The Area Water Quality Management Fund. - The area water quality
management fund is hereby established for the maintenance and upkeep of the water
bodies in a water quality management area. The fund shall be utilized for the grant of
rewards and incentives for entities whose effluent discharges are better than the water
quality criteria of the target classification of the receiving body of water, loans for
acquisitions and repairs of facilities to reduce quantity and improve quality of wastewater
discharges, and regular maintenance of the water bodies within the management area.
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An amount of not more than ten percent (10%) of the total amount accruing to the funds
annually shall be allocated for the operational expenses of the governing board, its
secretariat and multi-sectoral water quality surveillance and monitoring network. This
fund shall initially be sourced from the fines incurred by the establishments located in
rural areas before the effectivity of this Act. Thereafter, the fees collected under the
wastewater charge system established under Section 13 of this Act, donations,
endowments and grants for water quality management of the area shall accrue to the
fund.
Disbursements from the fund shall be subject to the usual accounting and budgeting rules
and regulations. This fund shall be managed by the Board of the corresponding
management area.
SEC. 11. Water Quality Variance for Geothermal and Oil and Gas Exploration. - The
Department may provide variance in water quality criteria and standards for geothermal
exploration that encounters reinjection constraints: Provided, that there shall be provision
for adequate protection of beneficial use of water bodies downstream of the geothermal
project: Provided, further, that this provision may be applied to oil and gas exploration as
determined by the Department.
SEC. 12. Categories of Industry Sector. – Within twenty-four (24) months from the
effectivity of this Act, and every two (2) years thereafter, the Department shall, through
due public consultation, revise and publish a list of categories of industry sector for
which effluent standards will be provided for each significant wastewater parameter per
industry sector.
The Department shall provide additional classification based on other parameters

specifically associated to discharge of a particular industry which shall be included in the
listing of categories prescribed in the preceding paragraph.
Article 2 Water Pollution Permits and Charges
SEC. 13. Wastewater Charge System. – The Department shall implement a wastewater
charge system in all management areas including the Laguna Lake Region and Regional
Industrial Centers through the collection of wastewater charges/fees. The system shall be
established on the basis of payment to the government for discharging wastewater into
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the water bodies. Wastewater charges shall be established taking into consideration the
following:
(a) To provide strong economic inducement for polluters to modify their production or
management processes or to invest in pollution control technology in order to reduce the
amount of water pollutants generated;
(b) To cover the cost of administering water quality management or improvement
programs;
(c) Reflect damages caused by water pollution on the surrounding environment, including
the cost of rehabilitation;
(d) Type of pollutant;
(e) Classification of the receiving water body; and
(f) Other special attributes of the water body.
The fee shall be based on the net waste load depending on the wastewater charge formula
which shall be established with due public consultation within six (6) months from the
effectivity of this Act: Provided, That net waste load shall refer to the difference of the
initial waste load of the abstracted water and the waste load of the final effluent discharge
of an industry: Provided, further, That no net waste load shall be lower than the initial
waste load: Provided, finally, That wastewater charge system shall not apply to
wastewater from geothermal exploration. Industries whose water effluent are within
standards promulgated pursuant to this Act, shall only be charged with minimal
reasonable amount which shall be determined by the Department after due public
consultation, giving account to volumetric rate of discharge and the effluent
concentration.
SEC. 14. Discharge Permits. – The Department shall require owners or operators of
facilities that discharge regulated effluents pursuant to this Act to secure a permit to
discharge. The discharge permit shall be the legal authorization granted by the
Department to discharge wastewater: Provided, that the discharge permit shall specify
among others, the quantity and quality of effluent that said facilities are allowed to
discharge into a particular water body, compliance schedule and monitoring requirement.
As part of the permitting procedure, the Department shall encourage the adoption of
waste minimization and waste treatment technologies when such technologies are
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deemed cost effective. The Department shall also develop procedures to relate the current
water quality guideline or the projected water quality guideline of the receiving water
body/ies with total pollution loadings from various sources, so that effluent quotas can be
properly allocated in the discharge permits. For industries without any discharge permit,
they may be give n a period of twelve (12) months after the effectivity of the
implementing rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this Act, to secure a
discharge permit. Effluent trading may be allowed per management area.
Article 3 Financial liability mechanism
SEC. 15. Financial Liability for Environmental Rehabilitation. - The Department shall
require program and project proponents to put up environmental guarantee fund (EGF) as
part of the environmental management plan attached to the environmental compliance
certificate pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1586 and its implementing rules and
regulations. The EGF shall finance the maintenance of the health of the ecosystems and
specially the conservation of watersheds and aquifers affected by the development, and
the needs of emergency response, clean-up or rehabilitation of areas that may be damaged
during the program’s or project’s actual implementation. Liability for damages shall
continue even after the termination of a program or project and, until the lapse of a given
period indicated in the environmental compliance certificate, as determined by the
Department. The EGF may be in the form of a trust fund, environmental insurance, surety
bonds, letters of credit, self-insurance and any other instruments which may be identified
by the Department. The choice of the guarantee instrument or combinations thereof shall
depend, among others, on the assessment of the risks involved and financial test
mechanisms devised by the Department. Proponents required to put up guarantee
instruments shall furnish the Department with evidence of availment of such instruments
from accredited financial instrument providers.
SEC. 16. Clean-Up Operations. - Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 15 and 26
hereof, any person who causes pollution in or pollutes water bodies in excess of the
applicable and prevailing standards shall be responsible to contain, remove and clean-up
any pollution incident at his own expense to the extent that the same water bodies have
been rendered unfit for utilization and beneficial use: Provided, That in the event
65
emergency clean-up operations are necessary and the polluter fails to immediately
undertake the same, the Department, in coordination with other government agencies
concerned, shall conduct containment, removal and clean-up operations. Expenses
incurred in said operations shall be reimbursed by the persons found to have caused such
pollution upon proper administrative determination in accordance with this Act.
Reimbursements of the cost incurred shall be made to the Water Quality Management
Fund or to such other funds where said disbursements were sourced.
SEC. 17. Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment. – The Department shall
implement programmatic compliance with the environmental impact assessment system,
as in the following types of development: (a) development consisting of a series of
similar projects, or a project subdivided into several phases and/or stages whether
situated in a contiguous area or geographically dispersed; and (b) development
consisting of several components or a cluster of projects collocated in an area such as an
industrial estate, an export processing zone, or a development zone identified in a local
land use plan. Programmatic compliance with the environmental impact assessment
system shall be guided by carrying capacity assessments determined from ecological
profiles. Ecological profiles shall identify environmental constraints and opportunities in
programmatic areas. Programmatic assessment shall also take into account cumulative
impacts and risks. Consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the
Department may enter into agreement with LGUs to incorporate programmatic
environmental impact assessment into the preparation, updating or revision of local land
use plans and area development plans.
SEC. 18. Environmental Impact Assessment System Programmatic Compliance with
Water Quality Standards. – The Department may allow each regional industrial center
established pursuant to Republic Act No. 7916 (PEZA law) to allocate effluent quotas to
pollution sources within its jurisdiction that qualify under an environmental impact
assessment system programmatic compliance program in accordance with Presidential
Decree No. 1586 and its implementing rules and regulations.
CHAPTER 3 INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM

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SEC. 19. Lead Agency. - The Department shall be the primary government agency
responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Act unless otherwise
provided herein. As such, it shall have the following functions, powers and
responsibilities:
a) Prepare a National Water Quality Status Report within twenty-four (24) months from
the effectivity of this Act: Provided, that the Department shall thereafter review or revise
and publish annually, or as the need arises, said report;
b) Prepare an Integrated Water Quality Management Framework within twelve (12)
months following the completion of the status report;
c) Prepare a ten (10) - year Water Quality Management Area Action Plan within twelve
(12) months following the completion of the framework for each designated water
management area. Such action plan shall be reviewed by the water quality management
area governing board every five (5) years or as the need arises;
d) Prepare and publish a national groundwater vulnerability map incorporating the
prevailing standards and methodologies, within twenty four (24) months after the
effectivity of this Act;
e) Enforce, review and revise within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act
water quality guidelines after due consultation with the concerned stakeholder sectors:
Provided, That the Department, in coordination with appropriate agencies shall review
said guidelines every five (5) years or as need arises;
f) Review and set effluent standards every five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act
or sooner as determined by the Department: Provided, That in the interim, the provisions
of DENR Administrative Order No. 35 of the Department shall apply: Provided, further,
That when new and more stringent standards are set in accordance with this section, the
Department may establish a grace period with a maximum of five (5) years: Provided,
finally, That such grace period shall be limited to the moratorium on the issuance of cease
and desist and/or closure order against the industry’s operations except in the event such
operation poses serious and grave threat to the environment, or the industry fails to
institute retooling, upgrading or establishing an environmental management system
(EMS).
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g) Establish within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act, internationally-
accepted procedures for sampling and analysis of pollutants and in coordination with
other concerned agencies, formulate testing procedures and establish an accreditation
system for laboratories;
h) Within eighteen (18) months from the effectivity of this Act and every two (2) years
thereafter, categorize point and non-point sources of water pollution;
i) Classify groundwater sources within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this
Act;
j) Classify or reclassify all water bodies according to their beneficial usages: Provided,
That in the interim, the provisions of DENR Administrative Order No. 34 shall apply:
Provided, further, That such classification or reclassification shall take into consideration
the operation of businesses or facilities that are existing prior to the effectivity of the Act:
Provided, furthermore, That the Department may authorize the use of the water for other
purposes that are more restrictive in classification: Provided, finally, That discharges
resulting from such use shall meet the effluent standards set by the Department;
k) Exercise jurisdiction over all aspects of water pollution, determine its location,
magnitude, extent, severity, causes, effects and other pertinent information on pollution,
and to take measures, using available methods and technologies to prevent and abate such
pollution;
l) Exercise supervision and control over all aspects of water quality management;
m) Establish a cooperative effort in partnership with the government, LGUs, academic

institutions, civil society and the private sector to attain the objectives of this Act;
n) Disseminate information and conduct educational awareness and value formation
programs and campaigns on the effects of water pollution on health and environment,
water quality management, and resource conservation and recovery to encourage an
environmentally action-oriented society in coordination with government agencies
identified in Section 22 (f);
o) Promote and encourage private and business sectors especially manufacturing and
processing plants the use of water quality management systems equipment, including but
not limited to, industrial wastewater treatment collection and treatment facilities;
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p) Report, on an annual basis, to Congress the quality status of water bodies and other
pertinent information and recommend possible legislation, policies and programs for
environmental management and water pollution control;
q) Issue rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the provisions of this
Act;
r) Issue orders against any person or entity and impose fines, penalties and other
administrative sanctions to compel compliance with water quality regulations and the
provisions of this Act;
s) Undertake appropriate protocol with other concerned agencies for immediate
coordinated responses to water related emergency incidents;
t) Issue permits, clearances and similar instruments pursuant to this Act; and
u) Exercise such powers and perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry
out the objectives of this Act.
The Department shall gradually devolve to the LGUs, and to the governing boards the
authority to administer some aspects of water quality management and regulation,
including, but not to be limited to, permit issuance, monitoring and imposition of
administrative penalties, when, upon the Department’s determination, the LGU or the
governing board has demonstrated readiness and technical capability to undertake such
functions.
SEC. 20. Role of Local Government Units (LGUs). - LGUs shall share the responsibility
in the management and improvement of water quality within their territorial jurisdictions.
Each LGU shall within six (6) months after the establishment of the water quality
management area action plan prepare a compliance scheme in accordance thereof, subject
to review and approval of the governing board.
Each LGU shall, through its Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO)
established in Republic Act No. 7160, have the following powers and functions:
a) Monitoring of water quality;
b) Emergency response;
c) Compliance with the framework of the Water Quality Management Action Plan;
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d) To take active participation in all efforts concerning water quality protection and
rehabilitation; and
e) To coordinate with other government agencies and civil society and the concerned
sectors in the implementation of measures to prevent and control water pollution:
Provided, however, That in provinces/cities/municipalities where there are no
environment and natural resources officers, the local executive concerned may, with the
approval of the Secretary of the DENR designate any of his official and/or chief of office
preferably the provincial, city or municipal agriculturist, or any of his employee:
Provided, finally, That in case an employee is designated as such, he must have sufficient
experience in environmental and natural resources management, conservation and
utilization.
SEC. 21. Business and Industry Role in Environmental Management. – The Department
and the LGUs, in coordination with the appropriate government agencies, and in
consultation with the business and industrial sectors including chambers of commerce,
shall formulate appropriate incentives for the adoption of procedures that will preserve
and protect our water bodies through the introduction of innovative equipment and
processes that reduce if not totally eliminate the discharge of pollutants into our water
bodies.
SEC. 22. Linkage Mechanism. - The Department and its concerned attached agencies
including LLDA shall coordinate and enter into agreement with other government
agencies, industrial sector and other concerned sectors in the furtherance of the objectives
of this Act. The following agencies shall perform the functions specified hereunder:
(a) Philippine Coast Guard in coordination with the DA and the Department shall enforce
for the enforcement of water quality standards in marine waters, set pursuant to this Act,
specifically from offshore sources;
(b) DPWH through its attached agencies, such as the MWSS, LWUA, and including
other urban water utilities for the provision of sewerage and sanitation facilities and the
efficient and safe collection, treatment and disposal of sewage within their area of
jurisdiction;
(c) DA, shall coordinate with the Department, in the formulation of guidelines for the re-
use of wastewater for irrigation and other agricultural uses and for the prevention, control
70
and abatement of pollution from agricultural and aquaculture activities: Provided, That
discharges coming from non-point sources be categorized and further defined pursuant to
this Act: Provided, further, That the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
of the DA shall be primarily responsible for the prevention and control of water pollution
for the development, management and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic
resources;
(d) DOH shall be primarily responsible for the promulgation, revision and enforcement of
drinking water quality standards;
(e) DOST, in coordination with the Department and other concerned agencies, shall
prepare a program for the evaluation, verification, development and public dissemination
of pollution prevention and cleaner production technologies; and
(f) Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine Information
Agency (PIA) shall assist and coordinate with the Department in the preparation and
implementation of a comprehensive and continuing public education and information
program pursuant to the objectives of this Act.
SEC. 23. Requirement of Record-keeping, Authority for Entry to Premises and Access to
Documents. – The Department or its duly authorized representative shall, after proper
consultation and notice, require any person who owns or operates any pollution source or
who is subject to any requirement of this Act to submit reports and other written
information as may be required by the Department.
Any record, report or information obtained under this section shall be made available to
the public, except upon a satisfactory showing to the Department by the entity concerned
that the record, report, or information or parts thereof, if made public, would divulge
secret methods or processes entitled to protection as intellectual property. Such record,
report or information shall likewise be incorporated in the Department’s industrial rating
system. Pursuant to this Act, the Department, through its authorized representatives, shall
have the right to:
(a) Enter any premises or to have access to documents and relevant materials as referred
to in the herein preceding paragraph;
71
(b) Inspect any pollution or waste source, control device, monitoring equipment or
method required; and
(c) Test any discharge. In cases of fish kill incidence, the Bureau of Fisheries of the DA,
in the course of its investigation, may enter the premises of an establishment reported to
have caused said incident.
SEC. 24. Pollution Research and Development Programs. – The Department, in
coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other
concerned agencies and academic research institutions, shall establish a national research
and development program for the prevention and control of water pollution. As part of
said program, the DOST shall conduct and promote the coordination and acceleration of
research, investigation, experiments, training, surveys and studies relating to the causes,
extent, prevention and control of pollution among concerned government agencies and
research institutions.
CHAPTER 4 INCENTIVES AND REWARDS
SEC. 25. Rewards. - Rewards, monetary or otherwise, shall be provided to individuals,

private organization and entities, including civil society, that have undertaken outstanding
and innovative projects, technologies, processes and techniques or activities in water
quality management. Said rewards shall be sourced from the Water Quality Management
Fund herein created.
SEC. 26. Incentives Scheme. - An incentive scheme is hereby provided for the purpose
of encouraging LGUs, water districts (WDs), enterprises, or private entities, and
individuals, to develop or undertake an effective water quality management, or actively
participate in any program geared towards the promotion thereof as provided in this Act.
A. Non-fiscal Incentive
1. Inclusion in the Investments Priority Plan (IPP). – Subject to the rules and regulations
of the Board of Investments (BOI), industrial wastewater treatment and/or adoption of
water pollution control technology, cleaner production and waste minimization
technology shall be classified as preferred areas of investment under its annual priority
72
plan and shall enjoy the applicable fiscal and non-fiscal incentives as may be provided for
under the Omnibus Investment Code, as amended.
Fiscal Incentives
1. Tax and Duty Exemption on Imported Capital Equipment - Within ten (10) years upon
the effectivity of this Act, LGUs, WDs, enterprises or private entities shall enjoy tax-and-
duty-free importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts used for industrial
wastewater treatment/collection and treatment facilities: Provided, That the importation
of such machinery, equipment and spare parts shall comply with the following
conditions:
a) They are not manufactured domestically in sufficient quantity, of comparable quality
and at reasonable prices;
b) They are reasonably needed and will be used actually, directly and exclusively for the
above mentioned activities; and
c) Written endorsement by the Department that the importation of such machinery,
equipment and spare parts would be beneficial to environmental protection and
management: Provided, further, That the sale, transfer or disposition of such machinery,
equipment and spare parts without prior approval of the BOI within five (5) years from
the date of acquisition shall be prohibited, otherwise the LGU concerned, WD, enterprise
or private entity and the concerned vendee, transferee or assignee shall be solidarily liable
to pay twice the amount of tax and duty exemption given it.
2. Tax Credit on Domestic Capital Equipment - Within ten (10) years from the effectivity
of this Act, a tax credit equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of the value of the
national internal revenue taxes and customs duties that would have been waived on the
machinery, equipment, and spare parts, had these items been imported shall be given to
enterprises or private entities and individuals, subject to the same conditions and
prohibition cited in the preceding paragraph.
3. Tax and Duty Exemption of Donations, Legacies and Gifts - All legacies, gifts and
donations to LGUs, WDs, enterprises, or private entities and individuals, for the support
and maintenance of the program for effective water quality management shall be exempt
73
from donor’s tax and shall be deductible from the gross income of the donor for income
tax purposes. Imported articles donated to, or for the account of any LGUs, WDs, local
water utilities, enterprises, or private entities and individuals to be exclusively used for
water quality management programs shall be exempted from the payment of customs
duties and applicable internal revenue taxes. Industrial wastewater treatment and/or
installation of water pollution control devices shall be classified as pioneer and preferred
areas of investment under the BOI’s annual priority plan and shall enjoy the applicable
fiscal and non-fiscal incentives as may be provided for under the Omnibus Investment
Code, as amended.
B. Financial Assistance Program Government financial institutions such as the
Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, Government
Service Insurance System, and such other government institutions providing financial
services shall, in accordance with and to the extent allowed by the enabling provisions of
their respective charters or applicable laws, accord high priority to extend financial
services to LGUs, WDs, enterprises, or private entities engaged in sewage collection and
treatment facilities.
C. Extension of Grants to LGUs Cities and municipalities which shall establish or operate
sewerage facilities may be entitled to receive grants for the purpose of developing
technical capabilities.
CHAPTER 5 CIVIL LIABILITY/PENAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 27. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are hereby prohibited:
a) Discharging, depositing or causing to be deposited material of any kind directly or
indirectly into the water bodies or along the margins of any surface water, where, the
same shall be liable to be washed into such surface water, either by tide action or by
storm, floods or otherwise, which could cause water pollution or impede natural flow in
the water body;
b) Discharging, injecting or allowing to seep into the soil or sub-soil any substance in
any form that would pollute groundwater. In the case of geothermal projects, and subject
to the approval of the Department, regulated discharge for short-term activities (e.g. well
74
testing, flushing, commissioning, venting) and deep re-injection of geothermal liquids

may be allowed: Provided, that safety measures are adopted to prevent the contamination
of the groundwater;
c) Operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without the valid required
permits or after the permit was revoked for any violation of any condition therein;
d) Disposal of potentially infectious medical waste into sea water by vessels unless the
health or safety of individuals on board the vessel is threatened by a great and imminent
peril; e) Unauthorized transport or dumping into sea waters of sewage sludge or solid
waste as defined under Republic Act No. 9003;
f) Transport, dumping or discharge of prohibited chemicals, substances or pollutants
listed under Republic Act No. 6969;
g) Operate facilities that discharge or allow to seep, willfully or through gross negligence,
prohibited chemicals, substances or pollutants listed under R. A. No. 6969, into water
bodies or wherein the same shall be liable to be washed into such surface, ground,
coastal, and marine water;
h) Undertaking activities or development and expansion of projects, or operating
wastewater/ sewerage facilities in violation of Presidential Decree No. 1586 and its
implementing rules and regulations;
i) Discharging regulated water pollutants without the valid required discharge permit
pursuant to this Act or after the permit was revoked for any violation of any condition
therein;
j) Noncompliance of the LGU with the Water Quality Framework and Management Area
Action Plan. In such a case, sanctions shall be imposed on the local government officials
concerned;
k) Refusal to allow entry, inspection and monitoring by the Department in accordance
with this Act;
l) Refusal to allow access by the Department to relevant reports and records in
accordance with this Act;
m) Refusal or failure to submit reports whenever required by the Department in
accordance with this Act;
75
n) Refusal or failure to designate pollution control officers whenever required by the

Department in accordance with this Act; and
o) Directly using booster pumps in the distribution system or tampering with the water
supply in such a way as to alter or impair the water quality.
SEC. 28. Fines, Damages and Penalties. - Unless otherwise provided herein, any person
who commits any of the prohibited acts provided in the immediately preceding section or
violates any of the provision of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations, shall
be fined by the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the PAB in the amount of not less
than Ten thousand pesos (P10, 000.00) nor more than Two hundred thousand pesos
(P200, 000.00) for every day of violation. The fines herein prescribed shall be increased
by ten percent (10%) every two (2) years to compensate for inflation and to maintain the
deterrent function of such fines: Provided, That the Secretary, upon recommendation of
the PAB may order the closure, suspension of development or construction, or cessation
of operations or, where appropriate disconnection of water supply, until such time that
proper environmental safeguards are put in place and/or compliance with this Act or its
rules and regulations are undertaken. This paragraph shall be without prejudice to the
issuance of an ex parte order for such closure, suspension of development or
construction, or cessation of operations during the pendency of the case.
Failure to undertake clean-up operations, willfully, or through gross negligence, shall be
punished by imprisonment of not less than two (2) years and not more than four (4) years
and a fine not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) and not more than One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) per day for each day of violation. Such failure or
refusal which results in serious injury or loss of life and/or irreversible water
contamination of surface, ground, coastal and marine water shall be punished with
imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day and not more than twelve (12)
years, and a fine of Five hundred thousand pesos (P500, 000.00) per day for each day
during which the omission and/or contamination continues.
In case of gross violation of this Act, the PAB shall issue a resolution recommending that
the proper government agencies file criminal charges against the violators.
Gross violation shall mean any of the following:
76
(a) Deliberate discharge of toxic pollutants identified pursuant to Republic Act No. 6969
in toxic amounts;
(b) five (5) or more violations within a period of two (2) years; or
(c) Blatant disregard of the orders of the PAB, such as the non-payment of fines, breaking
of seals or operating despite the existence of an order for closure, discontinuance or
cessation of operation. In which case, offenders shall be punished with a fine of not less
than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than Three million pesos
(P3,000,000.00) per day for each day of violation or imprisonment of not less than six (6)
years but not more than ten (10) years, or both, at the discretion of the court. If the
offender is a juridical person, the president, manager and the pollution control officer or
the official in charge of the operation shall suffer the penalty herein provided. For
violations falling under Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 979 or any regulations
prescribed in pursuance thereof, such person shall be liable for a fine of not less than
Fifty thousand pesos (P50, 000.00) nor more than One million pesos (P1, 000,000.00) or
by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years or both, for
each offense, without prejudice to the civil liability of the offender in accordance with
existing laws. If the offender is a juridical entity, then its officers, directors, agents or any
person primarily responsible shall be held liable: Provided, That any vessel from which
oil or other harmful substances are discharged in violation of Section 4 of Presidential
Decree No. 979 shall be liable for penalty of fine specified in the immediately preceding
paragraph and clearance of such vessel from the port of the Philippines may be withheld
until the fine is paid and such penalty shall constitute a lien on such vessel which may be
recovered in proceedings by libel in rem in the proper court which the vessel may be. The
owner or operator of a vessel or facility which discharged the oil or other harmful
substances will be liable to pay for any clean-up costs.
Provided, finally, that water pollution cases involving acts or omissions committed within
the Laguna Lake Region shall be dealt with in accordance with the procedure under
Republic Act No. 4850 as amended.
SEC. 29. Administrative Sanctions against Non-compliance with the Water Quality
Management Area Action Plan. - Local government officials concerned shall be subject
77
to administrative sanctions in case of failure to comply with their action plan in

accordance with the relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 7160.
CHAPTER 6 ACTIONS
SEC. 30. Administrative Action. - Without prejudice to the right of any affected person
to file an administrative action, the Department shall, on its own instance or upon verified
complaint by any person, institute administrative proceedings in the proper forum against
any person who violates: a) Standards or limitations provided by this Act; or b) By any
such order, rule or regulation issued by the Department with respect to such standard or
limitation.
CHAPTER 7 FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 31. Appropriations. - An amount of One hundred million pesos (P100, 000,000.00)
shall be appropriated from the savings of the National Government to the Department for
the initial implementation of this Act. Thereafter, the amount necessary to effectively
carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of
the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.
SEC. 32. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department, in coordination with
the Committees on Environment and Ecology of the Senate and the House of
Representatives, respectively and other concerned agencies, shall promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations for this Act, within one (1) year after the enactment
of this Act: Provided, That rules and regulations issued by other government agencies and
instrumentalities for the prevention and/or abatement of water pollution not inconsistent
with this Act shall supplement the rules and regulations issued by the Department,
pursuant to the provisions of this Act. The draft of the implementing rules and regulations
shall be published and be the subject of public consultations with affected sectors. There
shall be a mandatory review of the implementing rules and regulations and standards set
pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 33. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - There is hereby created a Joint
Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor the implementation of the Act and to
review the implementing rules and regulations promulgated by the Department.
78
The Committee shall be composed of five (5) Senators and five (5) Representatives to be
appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
respectively. The Oversight Committee shall be co-chaired by the Chairpersons of the
Committee on Environment of the Senate and the Committee on Ecology of the House of
Representatives.
SEC. 34. Repealing Clause. - Presidential Decree No. 984 is hereby repealed. Republic
Act Nos. 6969 and 4850 as amended, Presidential Decree Nos. 1586, 1152, 979 and 856
are hereby amended and modified accordingly. All other laws, orders, issuance, rules and
regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 35. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or the application of such
provision to any person or circumstances is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of
the Act or the application of such provision to other person or circumstances shall not be
affected by such declaration.
SEC. 36. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
Sgd. JOSE DE VENECIA JR. Sgd. FRANKING DRILON Speaker of the House
President of the Senate of Representative
This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2115 and House Bill No. 5398 was
finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 4, 2004.
Sgd. ROBERTO P. NAZARENO Sgd. OSCAR G. YABES Secretary General
Secretary of Senate House of Representatives
Approved: March 2, 2004
Sgd. GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO President
APPENDIX D
WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

1. Water is an important natural resource and should be managed in a holistic and
sustainable way. Today, the threat of inadequate safe water supply is real. Water is a key
development ingredient and should be made available to every human being.
79
2. In the Philippines, groundwater is the common source of water in cities, municipalities

and rural areas. Groundwater is primarily used by 60% of households, and in
communities without the convenience of piped water service from municipal or city
water districts, or Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS)
concessionaires, people use water from the nearby “poso” or deep well.
3. Philippine legislators are currently working on the Clean Water Act to ensure that
resource regulation covers the overall management of water resources with respect to its
allocation and distribution, utilization, conservation and protection, and sustainable use.
Water resource management in the Philippines is currently being handled by multiple
agencies. Due to the range of functions of these agencies, planning is undertaken
independently by the different groups. This makes the water sector inherently fragmented
and sometimes conflicts exist among agencies due to some overlaps of responsibilities. It
is hoped that the new legislation crafted can correct the situation.
4. Important water-related issues have to be addressed by public and private players and
stakeholders to ensure improved and sustainable water supply for existing customers and
to provide the poor with equitable access to safe and reliable water supply. The critical
issues include the following: inadequate supply of clean water; complex structure of
water governance; sewerage and sanitation; water pollution; and the implementation of
the Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275).
5. Adequate supply of water is essential in the Philippines but not assured throughout the
country. The deterioration in the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater source
is a clear indication that access to clean water is becoming a problem in many urban and
coastal areas. Households with no connections to water sources or no formal level of
water service resort to self-provision. They access water from wells, springs, and
communal faucets. Demand exceeds supply, especially among the urban poor who pay
private vendors for water at rates that are sometimes 10 times the price of piped water.
The poor and rural households are more vulnerable to diseases such as gastroenteritis and
typhoid, caused by contaminated water.
6. This chapter discusses the following:
• Characteristics of a water system;
80
• integrated water resource management – need for a coherent regulatory framework; and,
• improving the structure of water governance.
7. It is not possible to define sustainability in an absolute sense but government should
ensure the availability of water resources not only for the present generation but also for
future generations. This means that strategies and action plans should have a planning
horizon covering the next 20-30 years.
8. The constantly growing population of the country (2.3% per year) is making it more
difficult for planners and water service providers to cope with the ever-increasing
demand both for domestic and industrial uses. Another challenge being faced by the
government is meeting the target under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
which is to reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe
drinking water and sanitation by 2015. In the Philippines, in order to achieve the
Millennium Development Goal of 90% access to formal services by 2010, the investment
needed for water supply is estimated to be about ₧6 billion to ₧7 billion a year. The
cost of implementing the Clean Water Act is estimated at about ₧35 billion a year.1
II. Characteristics of the Water System

9. Water is central to human existence and its scarcity and wasteful use impact acutely on
humanity. According to the Department of Health, an average of 12 persons a day (or
4,200 deaths per year) die of water-borne diseases. Water is a major factor in ensuring the
availability of food, and the conditions in which people live. In Asia and the Pacific
region, home to nearly 900 million of the world’s poorest people, accessing adequate
clean water is one of the principal concerns.
10. The Philippines is endowed with rich water resources, with rivers and lakes covering
1,830 sq. km. and 421 river systems in 119 proclaimed watersheds. Water demand is
expected to increase from 1,303 m3 in 1995 to 3,955 m3 in 2025. There is an uneven
distribution of water resources throughout the country, resulting to water shortages in
highly populated areas especially during the dry season. There are four urban regions that
are considered to be in critical condition in terms of water quality and quantity: the
National Capital Region (NCR, Metro Manila); Central Luzon; Southern Tagalog; and
Central Visayas.
81
11. Surface water quality can be assessed by using parameters, such as Biochemical
Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO).
12. Water pollution, caused by the domestic (municipal), industrial, and agricultural
sources, is affecting the different bodies of water. The relationship between polluted
water and disease has been firmly established. Pollution of our water resources can occur
directly from sewer outfalls or industrial discharges (point sources), or indirectly from air
pollution or agricultural urban runoff (non-point sources). Water pollution is most severe
in Metro Manila, where almost all surface waters can be considered biologically dead
during the dry months. This is due to the heavy concentration of population and industrial
activities and the lack of sewage treatment system
13 Given the present characteristics of the water system, strategies should be formulated
to come up with action plans that will address the present water-related problems.
III. Integrated Water Resource Management – Need for a Coherent Regulatory
Framework
14. Water resources are critical to the survival of humankind, but they don't always exist
when and where they are needed. There is, therefore, a need to manage water resources
efficiently and effectively to have a sustainable supply of water for both the present and
future generations. There is a present gap between human demand and the availability of
water in the required quantity and quality, and this has become a fundamental issue
facing the water sector. As populations grow, water shortages will increase, and
competition for water will intensify. This brings to the fore sustainability issues.
15. Water resource development and management are public sector activities, but money
needed to develop and manage water, sustainable or otherwise, generally comes from the
private sector. Professionals, particularly engineers, can contribute to sustainable
development in several ways. They can introduce environmentally beneficial practices
within their own organizations, and ensure that their projects not only meet their client’s
needs but at the same time contribute positively to sustainable development.2
16. To meet the increasing challenges of water scarcity, water pollution, continuous
degradation of watersheds and ecosystems, water resources need to be managed in an
integrated manner. Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is a process to
improve the planning, conservation, development, and management of water, forest, land,
82
and aquatic resources in a river basin context, to maximize economic benefits and social
welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital
environmental systems.3
17. There is no ideal type of arrangement. The most applicable framework is one that is
very much country-dependent in terms of its culture, economy, and political environment.
IV. Improving the Structure of Water Governance
18. The existing regulatory set-up is quite complicated and poses problems on conflicts
of interests and possible overlapping of responsibilities that hinders effective water
resources management. Governance from a water sector perspective refers to the range
of political, social, economic, and administrative systems used to regulate the
development and management of existing water resources and provision of water
services.
19. Water governance in the Philippines is being undertaken by multiple agencies. At the
national level, existing institutions on water resources management include: the National
Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Presidential Task Force on Water Resource
Development and Management (PTFWRDM). The NWRB is responsible for policy
formulation, administration and enforcement of the Water Code of the Philippines. Other
agencies perform policy formulation as it relates to its mandate:
a. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for flood control and drainage
(this responsibility has recently been transferred to the Metro Manila Development
Authority);
b. Department of Health (DOH) for sanitation;
c. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for watershed protection
and water quality; d. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for LGU-
managed water supply, and sewerage and sanitation systems and capability building; e.
National Power Corporation (NPC) for hydropower development; f. National Irrigation
Administration (NIA) and Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) for
irrigation development; g. Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for
water supply, sewerage and sanitation in Metro Manila and partially in its neighboring
provinces; and, h. Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) for the Water Districts-
managed water supply and sewerage systems.
83
20. In addition to these existing agencies, several proposals have been put before the
Philippine Congress for consideration, such as the Water Regulatory Commission
(WRC), the National Water Resources Commission (NWRC), and the Water Resources
Authority of the Philippines (WRAP). The aim of these proposals is to streamline the
operation of existing agencies and combine the different agencies involved in the water
sector.
21. In the different regions in the country, the Regional Development Council (RDC) acts
as the single planning body that directs and coordinates the socio-economic development
of a region. This serves as a forum where local efforts can be integrated with national
development activities.
22. At the local level, the 1991 Local Government Code empowered the Local
Government Units (LGUs) to implement devolved activities, which include water supply
systems, communal irrigation systems, and local flood control projects.
23. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) are also working with government agencies
and communities to address issues pertaining to water supply and sanitation.
24. Community participation is an important element that needs to be built into the initial
stage of any project. The bottom-up approach has been very effective. Communities
identify their problems and their needs and work with the local government with
assistance from funding agencies to put a waterworks system in place.
V. Roles of Major Government Agencies in Regulation and Privatization

25. The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) regulates the more than 600 water
districts outside Metro Manila. LWUA is a specialized lending institution for the
promotion, development, and financing of water districts. It is mandated to establish
standards for local water utilities – regarding water quality; design and construction;
equipment, materials and supplies; operation and maintenance; personnel; organization;
and accounting – and to formulate rules and regulations for their enforcement.
26. In Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS),
embarked on a privatization scheme which resulted in two private water concessionairs:
Ayala (with Northwest Water and Bechtel), and Benpres Holdings (with Lyonnaise des
Eaux), providing water to the east and west zones of the metropolis, respectively, since
84
1997. The concessionaires are under the MWSS Regulatory Office where the chief
regulator reports to the MWSS Board of Directors.
27. The Regulatory Office (RO) monitors compliance of MWSS concessionaires to their
Concession Agreements (CAs). It has considerable authority over determining tariff rate
adjustments, service target adjustments, compliance with water and environmental
standards, consumer target, audit and compliance with obligations and termination of
CAs.
28. The concessionaires are required to provide 95% water coverage by 2002, and are
beginning the necessary upgrades and rehabilitation of the distribution network. The
concessions have had financial difficulties due to reduced water supply and the
devaluation of the peso. The concessionaires do not assume the financial risk for bulk
water provision from the government until the tenth year of the concession. Only after
2008 can they freely set rates that allow for cost recovery of operations, maintenance and
investment expenditures incurred over the 25-year term.
29. NWRB regulates and control the operations of utilities outside the jurisdiction of
MWSS and LWUA. It also undertakes economic regulation of private systems and
performance monitoring of private and LGU-operated systems.
30. Under the Local Government Code of 1991, water supply, sewerage and sanitation
services are effectively devolved functions of the LGUs. These services may be provided
through LGU-owned and operated water supply facilities. In these cases, LGUs have the
economic and regulatory functions as they set their own tariffs.
 Priority Policies and Programs
o strengthening public health programs
o institutionalizing water quality management system for LGUs
o developing the capacity at the national, regional and local levels in providing
environmental health testing laboratories
o developing the skills and qualifications of personnel within the DOH and at
the local levels on environmental health
 Challenges and Priorities for Action
o Disparities Across Regions
o Deterioration in Quantity and Quality of Water Resources
85
o Low Level Investment
APPENDIX E- 1
Topograpic Map of Mayorga Leyte

86
87
APPENDIX E- 2
Map of Brgy. Mabini, Leyte

88
APPENDIX F
Microbiological Test Result

89
DOCUMENTATIONS
90
Interviewing the Respondents in Barangay Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte

91
92
93
The identified major source of drinking water of the residents of Brgy. Mabini,
Mayorga, Leyte.
(According to the residents and the Barangay Chairwoman)
94
Collecting Samples for Microbiological Examination Sample 1. Near the Church of

Brgy. Mabini Mayorga, Leyte
95
Collecting Samples for Microbiological Examination Sample 2. Beside the Highway

96
CURRICULUM VITAE
97
NAME : Anarey T. Tipontipon

ADDRESS : Pob. Dist IV La Paz, Leyte
PLACE OF BIRTH : Tacloban City, Leyte
DATE OF BIRTH : April 22, 1997
PARENTS : Renante A. Tipontipon
: Diana T. Tipontipon
CIVIL STATUS : Single
CITIZENSHIP : Filipino
RELIGION : Roman Catholic
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
COLLEGE : Eastern Visayas State University- TC
Tanauan, Leyte
2015-2020
SECONDARY : Dulag National High School
Dulag Leyte
2009-2013
ELEMENTARY : La Paz Central School
La Paz, Leyte
2004-2009
98
NAME : Ann Zarnette Janry N. Rocabo

ADDRESS : Brgy. Malbog, Tolosa, Leyte
PLACE OF BIRTH : Tolosa, Leyte
DATE OF BIRTH : January 21, 1999
PARENTS : Vicente L. Rocabo
: Zarahdel R. Nerves
Tanauan, Leyte
2015-2020
SECONDARY : Bacoor National High School- Molino Main
Bacoor, Cavite
2011-2015
ELEMENTARY : Daniel Z. Romualdez Memorial Elementary
School
Tolosa, Leyte
2005-2011
99
NAME : Melrose T. Albao

ADDRESS : Brgy. Tugop, Tanauan, Leyte
PLACE OF BIRTH : Tanauan, Leyte
DATE OF BIRTH : November 07, 1997
PARENTS : Santiago B. Albao
: Violeta T. Albao
Tanauan, Leyte
2015-2020
SECONDARY : Tanauan National High School
Tanauan Leyte
2011-2015
ELEMENTARY : Tugop Elementary School
Brgy. Tugop, Tanauan, Leyte
2005-2011
100
NAME : Lois Byrnadette L. Kempis

ADDRESS : Brgy. Highway, Dulag, Leyte
PLACE OF BIRTH : Tacloban City, Leyte
DATE OF BIRTH : May 1, 1998
PARENTS : Bryan B. Kempis
: Liza C. Lacandazo
COLLEGE : Eastern Visayas State University- DC

Dulag, Leyte
2015-2017
: Eastern Visayas State University- TC

Tanauan, Leyte
2017-2020
SECONDARY : Dulag National High School

Dulag, Leyte
2010-2014
ELEMENTARY : Filemon P. Javier Elementary School

Mandaluyong City
2004-2010

Thesis Final As of May 22

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Thesis Final As of May 22

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1

bacteria and chemicals.

Access to safe drinking water is important as a health and development issue at

sensitivities that may occur between life stages.

suburban environments. Its disadvantage is the required maintenance, the significant

which kill thousands of children every day.

Background of the study

A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines. Mostly, the

safest drinking water that the residents will consume.

Mabini is a barangay in the municipality of Mayorga province of Leyte. Its

of the total population of the Municipality of Mayorga.

Statement of the Problem

consequences of microbial contamination are such that it must be of paramount

This study aims to answer the following questions:

affect the water quality in terms of disposal?

4. Which area of the barangay is prone to contamination and will undergo to a

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

completeness; background information regarding to water quality in Brgy. Mabini; time –

amount of data to be obtained.

Significance of the Study

Mabini, Mayorga Leyte.

the potable water system, it also provides awareness to the community.

variety of chemical substances; as such it is widely used in industrial processes, and in

cooking and washing (www.conserve-energy-future/.org) Groundwater supplies are

groundwater becomes polluted, it will no longer to be safe to drink (The Groundwater

Darcy’s Law. Permeability is the capacity of a rock layer to transmit water or

that of a single phase of each component.

The fundamental relationship given by Henry is the basis for permeability

downward through the sand pack contained in an iron cylinder.

Theory of Turbidity. Excessive turbidity, or cloudiness, in drinking water is

pathogens in the distribution system, leading to waterborne disease outbreaks, which

of turbidity provide "shelter" for microbes by reducing their exposure to attack by

disinfectants. Microbial attachment to particulate material has been considered to aid in

effectively remove turbidity when operated properly. (Source: EPA)

the results analysis and recommendations.

Identify the water

Test the water sample

Identify the sources of

understanding of the reader.

Biodiversity. Existence of different number of animal and plants in an

contaminated drinking water.

influenced by surface water, and in human or animal waste.

Deep Well. A source of water that comes from the ground.

E-coli- Escherichia coli or E- Coli. Is a coliform bacterium that is commonly

found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms.

present specifically in the gut and feces of warm-blooded animals.

Microbial. A microorganism that causes death.

Parameters. Limit or boundary of physical properties whose values determine

the characteristics or behavior.

Pathogens. Microorganisms that causes disease.

Permeability. Is a measure of the ability of a porous material to allow fluids to

pass through it.

Potable water. Clean water that is suitable for drinking.

Protozoan Infections. Are parasitic diseases caused by microorganisms.

Purified. Water that is free from undesirable elements.

Typhoid. Is a disease that comes from contaminated water.

Viral. Infectious viruses that may lead to death.

Water borne diseases. Are caused by drinking contaminated water.

various uses or processes.

perspective of the study.

The quality of drinking water is an influential environmental determinant of

turbidity. Microbiological parameters include coliform bacteria, E. coli, and specific

pathogenic species of bacteria (such as cholera causing Vibrio cholerae),viruses, and