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INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is an archipelagic country consisting of 7,107 islands. It has an area of 300,000 square kilometers wherein 65 percent of its towns are coastal. It is politically divided into 17 regions and abundantly endowed with water resources. It has 18 major river basins, 421 principal rivers, about 79 natural lakes, and extensive coastline that stretches 17,460 km.

As of 2005, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has classified 62 percent of the 525 water bodies according to their intended beneficial usage. Of these, only five are Class AA, which are intended for public water supply. Most of the water bodies are classified as Class C, intended for fishery, recreation, and supply for manufacturing processes.

Rapid inventory of pollution sources revealed that domestic wastes are the major source of pollution (33%), followed by livestock (29%) and industrial sources (27%). Non-point sources of pollution account for 11 percent of the organic load contribution to water bodies.

In response to the growing problem in water quality, the government enacted the Philippine Clean Water Act in 2004 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations the year after. The Act and its IRR require integrated approach, stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and promotion of co-ownership of the water bodies.

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Republic Act No. 9275             March 22, 2004

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

CHAPTER 1GENERAL PROVISIONS

ARTICLE 1DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004."

SECTION 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:

SECTION 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 2DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 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 environment.

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.

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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;

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 risk to humans and the environment;

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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 production of substances not found in the natural composition of water that make the water less desirable or unfit 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 or onto land from which it might flow or drain into said water.

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 discharge from known sources 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 environment policy.

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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 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, of 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 contain the following; 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 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 quality, taking into account seasonal, tidal and others 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; c) and water classification.

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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.

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 to affect or tend to affect adversely any beneficial use thereof;

(ii) is hazardous or potential 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, 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- include 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 Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).

ff) Septage - means the sludge produced on individual onsite wastewater disposal systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools.

gg) Sewage - means water-borne human or animal wastes, excluding oil or oil wastes, removed from residences, building, 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

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receptacles intended to receive or retain waste or other places or the combination thereof.

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 includes 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 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, biological, or radiological properties of a water body resulting in the impairment of its purity or quality.

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qq) Water Quality - means the characteristics of water, which define its use in characteristics by terms of physical, chemical, biological, bacteriological or radiological characteristics by which the acceptability of water is evaluated.

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.

Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) –

An area covering appropriate physiographic units, such as watersheds, river basins, or water resource regions –

having similar hydrological, hydrogeological, meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the physicochemical and biological reactions and diffusion of pollutants in the bodies of water draining the said area.

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CHAPTER 2WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

ARTICLE 1GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 6. Management of Non-attainment AreasSECTION 5. Water Quality Management AreaSECTION 7. National Sewerage and Septage Management ProgramSECTION 8. Domestic Sewage Collection, Treatment and DisposalSECTION 9. National Water Quality Management FundSECTION 10. The Area Water Quality Management FundSECTION 11. Water Quality Variance for Geothermal and Oil and Gas ExplorationSECTION 12. Categories of Industry Sector

ARTICLE 2WATER POLLUTION PERMITS AND CHARGES

SECTION 13. Wastewater Charge System.SECTION 14. Discharge Pemits

ARTICLE 3FINANCIAL LIABILITY MECHANISM

SECTION 15. Financial Liability for Environmental RehabilitationSECTION 16. Clean-Up OperationsSECTION 17. Programmatic Environmental Impact AssessmentSECTION 18. Environmental Impact Assessment System Programmatic Compliance with Water Quality Standards

CHAPTER 3INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM

SECTION 19. Lead AgencySECTION 20. Role of Local Government UnitsSECTION 21. Business and Industry Role in Environmental ManagementSECTION 22. Linkage Mechanism

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SECTION 23. Requirement of Record-keeping, Authority for Entry to Premises and Access to DocumentsSECTION 24. Pollution Research and Development Programs.

CHAPTER 4INCENTIVES AND REWARDS

SECTION 25. RewardsSECTION 26. Incentives Scheme

CHAPTER 5CIVIL LIABILITY/PENAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 27. Prohibited ActsSECTION 28. Fines, Damages and PenaltiesSECTION 29. Administrative Sanctions Against Non-compliance with the Water Quality Management Area Action Plan

CHAPTER 6ACTIONS

SECTION 30. Administrative Action

CHAPTER 7FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 31. Appropriations.SECTION 32. Implementing Rules and RegulationsSECTION 33. Joint Congressional Oversight CommitteeSECTION 34. Repealing ClauseSECTION 35. Separability ClauseSECTION 36. Effectivity

SIGNATORY:

FRANKLIN DRILONPresident of the Senate

JOSE DE VENECIA JR.Speaker of the House of

Representatives

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYOPresident of the Philippines

OSCAR G. YABESSecretary of Senate

ROBERTO P. NAZARENOSecretary General

House of Represenatives

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REPUBLIC ACT 9275: THE PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT

PURPOSE

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 aims to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household activities). It provides for a comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

OVERVIEW

As early as 1996, monitory of the country’s rivers showed that only 51% of the classified rivers still met the standards for their most beneficial use. The rest were polluted from domestic, industrial and agricultural sources

Most studies point to the fact that domestic wastewater is the principal cause of organic pollution (at48%) of our water bodies. Yet, only 3% of investments in water supply and sanitation were going to sanitation and sewage treatment.

A recent World Bank report pointed out that Metro Manila was second to the lowest in sewer connections among major cities in Asia and less that 7% compared to 20% for Katmandu, Nepal and 30% for Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Thirty-one percent (31%) of all illnesses in the country are attributed to polluted waters. Clearly, to ensure access to clean water for all Filipinos, it was imperative that government put together a comprehensive strategy to protect water quality.

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FEATURES

Management of water quality will either be based on watershed, river basis or water resources region. Water quality management areas with similar hydrological, meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the reaction and diffusion of pollutants in water bodies are to be designated by the DENR in coordination with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB)

Management will be localized. Multi-sectoral governing boards will be established to manage water quality issues within their jurisdiction

Governing Boards shall be composed of representatives of mayors and governors as well as local government units, representatives of relevant national government agencies, duly registered non-government organizations, the concerned water utility sector and the business sector.

The governing boards will formulate strategies to coordinate policies necessary for the effective implementation of this Act. They will create a multi-sectoral group to establish and effect water quality surveillance and monitoring.

All owners or operators of facilities that discharge wastewater are required to get a permit to discharge from the DENR or the Laguna Lake Development Authority. Existing industries without any permit are given 12 months from the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) promulgated pursuant to this Act to secure a permit to discharge.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with local government units will prepare a national program on sewage and septage management not later than 12 months from effectivity of this Act. A priority list will likewise be prepared which will be the basis for the allotment of funds on an annual basis by the national government for the construction and rehabilitation of required facilities.

Local-government units will provide the land including road right of the way for the construction of sewage and/or septage treatment facilities and raise funds for the operations and maintenance of said facilities.

The Department of Health (DOH) will formulate guidelines and standards for the collections, treatment and disposal of sewage as well as the guidelines for the establishment and operation of centralized sewage treatment system. The MWSS and other agencies mandated to provide water supply and sewerage facilities are required to connect existing sewage lines, subject to the payment of sewerage service charges/fees within five years following effectivity of this Act.

All sources of sewage and septage are required to comply with the law. Anyone discharging wastewater into a water body will have to pay a

wastewater charge. This economic instrument which will be developed in consultation with all concerned stakeholders is expected to encourage investments in cleaner production and pollution control technologies to reduce the amount of pollutants generated and discharged.

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Rewards will also be given to those whose wastewater discharge is better that the water quality criteria of the receiving body of water. Fiscal and non-fiscal incentives will also be given to LGUs, water districts, enterprise, private entities and individuals who develop and undertake outstanding and innovative projects in water quality management.

Among other, the Act prohibits the following:o Discharging or depositing any water pollutant to the water body, or

such which will impede natural flow in the water bodyo Discharging, injecting or allowing to enter into the soil, anything that

would pollute groundwatero Operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without

the valid required permitso Disposal of potentially infectious medical waste into sea by vesselso Unauthorized transport or dumping into waters or sewage sludge or

solid wasteo Transport, dumping or discharge of prohibited chemicals, substances

or pollutants listed under Toxic Chemicals, Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act (Republic Act No. 6969)

Anyone who commits prohibited acts such as discharging untreated wastewater into any water body will be fined for every day of violation, the amount of not less than Php 10,000 but not more than Php 200,000. Failure to undertake clean-up operations willfully shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than two years and not more than four years Criminal charges may also be filed. Wastewater Charge System

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Wastewater Discharge Fee

WDF= Ln x R

Where: R is the rate per kilogram (PhP/kg) which is initially fixed at P5.00 per

kilogram for priority pollutant parameter (e.g. BOD or TSS)

Ln refers to the net waste load (kg/year), computed further as follows:

Ln (BOD5/TSS)= [( Cf – Ca ) (Qf x Nf )] x 0.001

Where:

Cf is the average daily effluent concentration limit (mg/l) for priority pollutant parameter (BOD or TSS);

Qf is the average daily volumetric flow rate measurement or final discharge effluent (m3/day) ;

Nf is the total number of discharge days in a year (days/ year);Ca is the average water quality concentration limit for priority pollutant

parameter (BOD or TSS) of abstracted or intake water (mg/l).

Sample Computation for WWC:Cf = 50 mg/l (Ave. effluent concentration)Ca = 1 mg/l (Ave. water qua.conc.)Qf = 100 m3/d (Ave. wastewater volumedischarged)Nf = 200 days

WDF = (50-1) (100) (200)(.001) (P5)WDF = P 4,900/YR.

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DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 34 SERIES OF 1990

Revised Water Usage and Classification/Water Quality Criteria Amending Section No. 68 and 69, Chapter III of the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations.

Signatory: Fulgencio S. Factoran Jr.,

Date: March 20, 1990

OVERVIEW

Water classification is the primary component in water quality management for which goals/objectives of each of the water bodies are met. Three activities are involved namely: establishments of water bodies beneficial use, identification of water quality indicators (or criteria pollutants) and water quality suitable for each use. In the Philippines classification is a very important component of water quality management since the application of effluent standards are dependent on this classification. This administrative order classifies water bodies into five (5) classes, ie.e AA, A, A, C for inland fresh waters and four (4) classes for marine and coastal water, i.e. SA, SB, SC and SD.

FEATURES

SURVEY AND CLASSIFICATION OF MAJOR RIVERS AND COASTAL WATERBODIES.

Water Classification is a very important component in water quality management as effluent standards are interpreted with respect to it.

The EMB has classified additional 34 water bodies in 2006 bringing to 567 the total of water bodies that have been classified in terms of best usage and water quality to be maintained. To date, there are now 270 classified principal rivers or rivers with drainage areas of not less than 40 sq. km. This accounts to 64.13% of the country’s 421 principal rivers identified by the National Water Resources Board.

According to DAO 34 series of 1990 or the revised water usage and classifications, water bodies are classified into nine (9) classes as follows:

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Water Usage and ClassificationsA) Fresh Surface Water (river, lakes, reservoir, etc.)Classification Beneficial Use

Class AA Public Water Supply Class 1. This class is intended primarily for waters having watersheds which are uninhabited and otherwise protected and which require only approved disinfection in order to meet the National standards for Drinking Water (NSDW) of the Philippines.

Class A Public Water Supply Class 2. For sources of water supply that will require complete treatment (coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection) in order to meet the NSDW.

Class B Recreational Water Class 1. For primarily contact recreation such as bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc. (particularly those designated for tourism purpose.)

Class C a. Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources.

b. Recreational water class 2 (boating, etc)c. Industrial Water supply class 1 (from manufacturing

processes after treatment)

Class D 1. For agriculture, irrigation, live stocks watering, etc.)2. Industrial Water supply class 2 (e.g. cooling, etc.)Other3. inland waters by their quality belong to this classification.

Coastal and Marine Waters

Classification

Beneficial Use

Class SA 1. Waters suitable for the propagation survival and harvesting of selfish, for commercial purposes.

2. Tourist Zones and national marine parks and reserves established under Presidential Proclamation No. 1801; existing laws and/or declared as such by appropriate government agency.

3. Coral reef parks and reserves designated by law and concerned authorities.

4. Waters suitable for the propagation survival and harvesting of selfish, for commercial purposes.

5. Tourist Zones and national marine parks and reserves established under Presidential Proclamation No. 1801; existing laws and/or declared as such by appropriate government agency.

6. Coral reef parks and reserves designated by law and concerned authorities.

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Class SB 1. Recreational Water Class 1 (areas regularly used by the public for bathing swimming, skin diving, etc.)

2. Fishery Water class 3 (spawning areas for Chanos chanos or “Bangus” and similar species.

Class CS 1. Recreational Water class 3 (e.g. boating, etc.)2. Fishery Water class 2 (commercial and sustenance fishing).3. Marchy and/or mangrove areas declared as fish and wildlife

sanctuaries.

Class SD 1. Industrial Water supply class 2 (e.g. cooling, etc.)2. Other coastal and marine waters, by their quality, belong to

this classification.

Water Quality Criteria

(a) Minimum Criteria for Surface Waters. All surface waters of the country shall be free from:

1. Domestic, industrial, agricultural, or other man-induced non-thermal components of discharges which, alone or in combination with other substances or in combination with other components of discharges (whether thermal or non-thermal)

That settle to form putrescent deposits or otherwise create a nuisance; or That float as debris, scum, oil, or other matter in such amounts as to form

nuisances; or

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That produce color, odor, taste, turbidity, or other conditions in such degree as to create a nuisance; or

That are acutely toxic; or That are present in concentrations which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or

teratogenic to human beings or to significant, locally occurring wildlife or aquatic species; or

That pose a serious danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

2. Thermal components of discharges which alone, or in combination with other discharges or components of discharges (whether thermal or non-thermal):

That produce conditions so as to create nuisance; or That increase the temperature of the receiving body of water (RBW) so as to

cause substantial damage or harm to the aquatic life or vegetation therein or interfere with the beneficial uses assigned to the RBW.

(b) Water Quality Criteria for Fresh Waters.

1. Conventional and Other Pollutants Affecting Aesthetics and Oxygen Demand.– Please refer to Table 1 for the parameters and limits or specifications according to classification and use of the receiving body of water (RBW).

Table 1 - Water Quality Criteria for Conventional and Other Pollutants Contributing to Aesthetics and Oxygen Demand for Fresh Waters (a)

PARAMETER UNIT CLASS AA

CLASS A

CLASS B

CLASS C

CLASS D (b)

Color PCU 15 50 (c) (c) (c)

Temperature (d)(max. rise in deg. Celcius)

°C rise 3 3 3 3

pH (range) 6.5 - 8.5

6.5 - 8.5 6.5 - 8.5 6.5 - 8.5 6.0 - 9.0

Dissolved Oxygen (e)(Minimum)

% satnmg/L

705.0 705.0 705.0 605.0 403.0

5-Day 20°C BOD mg/L 1 5 5 7(10) 10(15)

Total Suspended Solids

mg/L 25 50 (f) (g) (h)

Total Dissolved Solids

mg/L 500 (i) 1,000 (i) - - 1,000 (i)

Surfactants mg/L nil 0.2(0.5) 0.3(0.5) 0.5 -

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(MBAS)

Oil/Grease (Petroleum Ether Extracts)

mg/L nil 1 1 2 5

Nitrate as Nitrogen

mg/L 1.0 10 nr 10(j) -

Phosphate as Phosphorus

mg/L nil 0.1(k) 0.2(k) 0.4(k) -

Phenolic Substances as Phenols

mg/L nil 0.002 0.005(l) 0.02(l) -

Total Coliforms MPN/100 mL

50(m) 1,000(m)

1,000(m)

5,000(m)

-

Or Fecal Coliforms MPN/100 mL

20(m) 100(m) 200(m) - -

Chloride as Cl mg/L 250 250 - 350 -

Copper mg/L 1.0 1.0 - 0.05(o) -

Footnotes for Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4.(a)-Except as otherwise indicated, the numerical limits in Tables 1 and 3 are yearly average values. Values enclosed in parentheses are maximum values.(b)-For irrigation purposes, SAR should have a minimum value of 8 and a maximum value not to exceed 18. Boron should not exceed 0.75 mg/L.(c)-No abnormal discoloration from unnatural causes(d)-The allowable temperature increase over the average ambient temperature for each month. This rise shall be based on the average of the maximum daily temperature readings recorded at the site but upstream of the mixing zone over a period of one (1) month.(e)-Sampling taken between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM(f)-Not more than 30% increase(g)-Not more than 30 mg/L increase(h)-Not more than 60 mg/L increase(i)-Do not apply if natural background is higher in concentration. The latter will prevail and will be used as baseline(j)-Applicable only to lakes or reservoirs, and similarly impounded water(k)-When applied to lakes or reservoirs, the Phosphate as P concentration should not exceed an average of 0.05 mg/L nor a maximum of 0.1 mg/L(l)-Not present in concentrations to affect fish flavor/taste(m)-These values refer to the geometric mean of the most probable number of coliform organism during a 3-month period and that the limit indicated shall not be exceeded in 20 percent of the samples taken during the same period(n)-For spawning areas for Chanoschanos and other similar species(o)-Limit is in terms of dissolved coppernil-Extremely low concentration and not detectable by existing equipment----Means the standard of these substances are not considered necessary for the present time, considering the stage of the country's development and DENR capabilities, equipment and resourcesnr-Means No Recommendation made

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2. Toxic and other Deleterious Substances. - The maximum limits for these types of pollutants according to classifications or use of the receiving body of water are found in Table 2.

Table 2 - Water Quality Criteria for Toxic and Other Deleterious Substances for Fresh Waters (For the Protection of Public Health)

PARAMETER UNIT CLASS AA

CLASS A

CLASS B

CLASS C

CLASS D

Arsenic (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.01

Cadmium (i) mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05

Chromium (i) (hexavalent)

mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 -----

Cyanide mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 -----

Lead (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 -----

Total Mercury (i) mg/L 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002

Organophosphate mg/L nil nil nil nil nil

Aldrin mg/L 0.001 0.001 - - -

DDT mg/L 0.05 0.05 - - -

Dieldrin mg/L 0.001 0.001 - - -

Heptachlor mg/L nil nil - - -

Lindane mg/L 0.004 0.004 - - -

Toxaphane mg/L 0.005 0.005 - - -

Methoxychlor mg/L 0.10 0.10 - - -

Chlordane mg/L 0.003 0.003 - - -

Endrin mg/L nil nil - - -

PCB mg/L 0.001 0.001 - - -

Note:

1. Limiting values of organophosphates and organochlorines may in the meantime serve as guidelines in the interim period pending the procurement and availability of necessary laboratory equipment. For Barium, Cobalt, Fluoride, Iron, Lithium, Manganese, Nickel, Selenium, Silver and Vanadium, the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations, Section 69 may be considered.

2. For footnotes please refer to Table 1.

R.A. 9275 DAO - 34

(c) Coastal and Marine Waters Criteria.

1. Conventional and Other Pollutants Affecting Aesthetics and Oxygen Demand. The criteria for Class SA, SB, SC and SD are found in Table 3.

Table 3 - Water Quality Criteria for Conventional and Other Pollutants Affecting Aesthetics and Exerting Oxygen Demand for Coastal and Marine Waters. (A)

PARAMETER UNIT CLASS SA

CLASS SB

CLASS SC

CLASS SD

Color PCU (c) (c) (c) (c)

Temperature (d) (max. rise in deg. Celsius)

°C rise 3 3 3 3

pH (range) 6.5 - 8.5 6.0 - 8.5 6.0 - 8.5 6.0 - 9.0

Dissolved Oxygen (e) (Minimum)

% satnmg/L

705.0 705.0 705.0 502.0

5-Day 20°C BOD mg/L 3 5 7(10) -

Total Suspended Solids mg/L (f) (g) (g) (h)

Surfactants (MBAS) mg/L 0.2 0.3 0.5 -

Oil/Grease (Petroleum Ether Extract)

mg/L 1 2 3 5

Phenolic Substances as Phenols

mg/L nil 0.01 (1) -

Total Coliforms MPN/100 mL

70(m) 1,000(m) 5,000(m) -

Fecal Coliforms MPN/100 mL

nil 200(m) - -

Copper Mg/L - 0.02(n) (o)

0.05 (o) -

Note: For footnotes please refer to Table 1.

R.A. 9275 DAO - 34

2. Toxic and Other Deleterious Substances. The maximum limits for toxic and other deleterious substances for waters classified as Class SA, SB, SC and SD waters are found in Table 4.

Table 4 - Water Quality Criteria for Toxic and Other Deleterious Substances for Coastal and Marine Waters (for the Protection of Public Health)

PARAMETER UNIT CLASS SA

CLASS SB

CLASS SC

CLASS SD

Arsenic (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 -

Cadmium (i) mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 -

Chromium (i)(hexavalent)

mg/L 0.05 0.1 0.1 -

Cyanide mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 -

Lead (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 -

Total Mercury (i) mg/L 0.002 0.002 0.002 -

Organophosphate mg/L nil nil nil -

Aldrin mg/L 0.001 - - -

DDT mg/L 0.05 - - -

Dieldrin mg/L 0.001 - - -

Heptachlor mg/L nil - - -

Lindane mg/L 0.004 - - -

Toxaphane mg/L 0.005 - - -

Methoxychlor mg/L 0.10 - - -

Chlordane mg/L 0.003 - - -

Endrin mg/L nil - - -

PCB mg/L 0.001 - - -

Note:

1. Limiting values of organophosphates and organochlorines may in the meantime serve as guidelines in the interim period pending the procurement and availability of necessary laboratory equipment. For Barium, Cobalt, Fluoride, Iron, Lithium, Manganese, Nickel, Selenium, Silver and Vanadium, the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations, Section 69 may be considered.

2. For footnotes please refer to Table 1.

(d) Methods of analysis. - For purposes of these regulations, any water sample taken for the purpose of classification or for determining compliance with the water quality criteria shall be analyzed in accordance with the methods enumerated in Table 5. The table also applies to determine compliance to effluent regulations

R.A. 9275 DAO - 34

SAGIP ILOG PROGRAM / AMBIENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING

The DENR-EMB conducts monitoring and surveillance of river water quality of major rivers in Metro Manila and selected rivers in the provinces .

The parameters commonly monitored in the rivers are temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total

suspended solids. The bacterial count is also monitored at the beach resorts.

BEACH WATCH

The Beach Watch Program is one of the priority programs activities of the EMB-DENR as part of advocacy for good water quality.

The program aims to establish baseline data and provide the latest / updated information on the present quality of the bathing beaches. It also aims to inform the resort /

facility owners to institute measures to improve the quality of their respective bathing beaches

R.A. 9275 DAO - 34

REFERENCES:

DENR Administrative Order No.34,Series of 1990“Revised water usage and classification Water Quality Criteria “

Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9275 “The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004”

Lapid, Dan. The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. Knowledge Node Workshop.SEI-EcosanRes2., Stockholm. 24-25 August 2009

Cabading, Vilma T. Water Quality Management in the Philippines. Environmental Management Bureau,Philippines

Cuna, Juan Miguel T. Water Quality Management in the Philippines. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.