How detergents affects the water

Detergent and Soap Break Surface Tension. Detergent molecules' two ends make it able to
break through the surface tension of water. The end of the detergentmolecule which attaches
to fat (grease) repels water molecules.

How does detergent break water tension?

Detergent molecules have a very clever property, with one end hydrophilic, or water-
loving, and the other hydrophobic, or repelled by water. This dual nature allows
detergent to attract both water and oil, which gives it its ability to clean your laundry. It is
also very effective at reducing the surface tension of water by pushing apart water
molecules with the hydrophobic end of the detergent molecule.

Water Molecules and Surface Tension

Water holds unique properties which makes it "sticky" at the surface. Each individual
water molecule has one large oxygen atom and two smaller hydrogen atoms. The
hydrogen atoms hold a slightly positive charge, making the entire water molecule polar.
Like tiny magnets, the hydrogen atoms attract the oxygen atoms from other water
molecules, creating temporary hydrogen bonds within the water.

Each water molecule experiences a pull from other water molecules from every
direction, but water molecules at the surface do not have molecules above the surface
to pull at them. These water molecules have more pull from the water below than the
surface above. This difference in force packs the water molecules at the surface closer
together than they are inside the liquid. The thin, dense layer of molecules produces the
phenomenon called surface tension.

Detergent and Soap

Detergent and soap are similar chemically, except for the oil in them. Many soaps use
natural fats while detergents use refined petroleum. Soap and detergent molecules
have two ends which act as a bridge between water molecules and grease (fat)
molecules. This allows the soap or detergent to grab onto the grease from a dirty dish
and use the other end of the detergent molecule to latch on to water to be washed
away.

Detergent and Soap Break Surface Tension

Detergent molecules' two ends make it able to break through the surface tension of
water. The end of the detergent molecule which attaches to fat (grease) repels water
molecules. It is known as hydrophobic, meaning "water fearing." By attempting to move
away from the water molecules, the hydrophobic ends of the detergent molecules push
up to the surface. This weakens the hydrogen bonds holding the water molecules
together at the surface. The result is a break in the surface tension of the water.

How does detergent affects water surface tension?

Explain how detergent interferes with water's surface tension. ... The watermolecules at
the surface are attracted to the charged end of the detergentmolecules. As the surface
water molecules are attracted outward, this acts against their inward attraction that was creating
the surface tension.

How does soap interact with water?

Soap breaks up the oil into smaller drops, which can mix with the water. It works
because soap is made up of molecules with two very different ends. One end ofsoap molecules
love water - they are hydrophilic. The other end of soap molecues hate water - they are
hydrophobic.

Adding soap lowers the water's surface tension so the drop becomes weaker and breaks apart
sooner. Making water molecules stick together less is what helpssoaps clean dishes and
clothes more easily.

Why soap is not effective in hard water?

Hard water also reduces the effectiveness of cleaning agents. Soap is lesseffective in hard
water since it reacts to form a calcium or magnesium salt of the organic acid in the soap and
forms a grayish soap scum with no lather. Detergents, on the other hand, lather in
both hard and soft water.

WATER USE AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Water plays a vital role in life sustenance on earth, and will become increasingly critical in the future
given the continuing population growth and economic development. There is growing and conflicting
demand for water for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes in the face of water scarcity,
inadequate infrastructure and limited access to water, and habitat destruction and pollution, all of
which affect water quality and quantity. The availability of and access to water has become one of
the most important challenges that countries face today, and water resource management has
become a major priority in most countries where water supply shortage is threatening their
development.

The goal of the water use and supply management program is to increase the amount of water
available to users while protecting water resources, water-dependent natural systems and
interrelated habitats. The ecosystem-based management approach ensures an integrated and
holistic approach to the management of river basins down to the coastal and marine areas. This
involves protection of forests, watersheds, wetlands, surface water (rivers, lakes, streams) and
groundwater aquifers to ensure adequate water supply and acceptable water quality. Greater
attention is also given to the promotion of water reuse, recycling and other conservation measures
as well as the upgrading of water supply and distribution systems to reduce losses, and improving
cost-effective technology such as in desalination of seawater to increase available water supply.
Access to safe water at a convenient distance and at an affordable price provides a boost to human
health and productivity.

While many PEMSEA countries are located in comparatively water-rich Southeast Asia, they all
unfortunately face the same problem of water shortage due to decades of water misuse, destruction
of tropical rainforest especially catchment areas, severe water pollution, excessive extraction of
groundwater, and poor and unregulated land resource management. Given the many agencies
involved in water management and with overlapping functions, institutional arrangements have to
be streamlined, with proper delineation of roles and responsibilities. Policies and programs are also
needed to be set in place for the regulation of use and extraction, including proper allocation among
various users; pollution reduction to mitigate contamination of surface water and groundwater;
water tariff restructuring and application of market-based instruments, such as user fees, to reflect
the full value of water as a resource; and regular monitoring of surface water and groundwater
quality and quantity.

Water — A Catalyst for Cooperation

Water issues have become a topic for regular dialogues among mayors and senior officials of urban
cities in the region. At the 2004 mayor dialogue hosted by Xiamen Municipality, concerned mayors
and senior officials discussed the threats of water shortage and signed the Xiamen Declaration
expressing their concerns and commitment in addressing water resources problems. The water issue
will continue to be a topic of concern in the World Ocean Week (WOW) to be held in November
2007 and subsequent WOW events in Xiamen.

In the Philippines, a River Basin Control Office (RBCO) has been set up under the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to coordinate and oversee water-related programs and
projects in the country, and effectively manage the multiple uses of water and other natural
resources from the river basins to coastal seas. A Philippine Integrated River Basin Development and
Management Masterplan has been developed. In the Manila Bay area, the RBCO is focusing on the
two major river basins of Pampanga River and Pasig River-Laguna de Bay. PEMSEA is currently
providing technical assistance and working with the DENR and other stakeholders to strengthen the
RBCO in terms of institutional arrangements and operating mechanism for integrated river basin and
coastal area management; provide recommendations on policies required; develop and demonstrate
a methodology for preparing an integrated river basin-coastal area investment plan for pollution
reduction (pilot site in a sub-basin of the Pampanga River Basin); develop a river basin module in
the Integrated Information Management System for Coastal and Marine Environment (IIMS) and
strengthen the Manila Bay Information Network (MBIN).
 PEMSEA has been supporting local governments on several water- related initiatives and promoting
an integrated management approach in addressing the use and supply of water resources. In
Sihanoukville, Cambodia, protection of water sources is being done through coastal use zoning.
Water sources are rehabilitated through reforestation efforts and vigilance against illegal
construction near the area.

In Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Xedone Integrated River Basin Management Project
(XIRBMP) is a community-based integrated water resource management (IWRM) demonstration
project that involves the participation of the provinces of Saravanne, Seikong and Champasack.
Through the project, it is hoped that public awareness and technical competence will be increased to
improve management capacity of local government officials and communities in managing multiple
use of water resources. Among the activities slated under this project are capacity- building
initiatives for strategic planning, reduction of water pollution, and creation of small-scale livelihood
projects.

What is water management?

Water management is the activity of planning, developing, distributing and optimum use
of water resources under defined water polices and regulations. Here are links to articles that
address water management subjects such as the optimization of water usage. Water resource
management is the activity ofplanning, developing, distributing and managing the optimum use
of water resources. It is a sub-set of water cycle management.

Why is water management important?

Water Management Importance. Water Management is important since it helps determine

future Irrigation expectations. Water management is the management ofwater resources
under set policies and regulations. Water, once an abundant natural resource, is becoming a
more valuable commodity due to droughts and overuse.

What is the need to water mngmnet?

Water resource management is a very important issue from several angles such as
development of water bodies for future, protection of available water bodies from pollution and
over exploitation and to prevent disputes. A paramount issue is water-its availability, quality
and management.

What is water conservation?

Water conservation means using less water or recycling used water so that it can be used
again. This type of program is important because water conservationhelps save energy,
protect wild animals, and prevent people from using so muchwater that it cannot be replaced
with rain. Why important?Water conservation is the practice of using water efficiently
to reduce unnecessary water usage. According to Fresh Water Watch, water conservation is
important because fresh clean water is a limited resource, as well as a costly one.

5 Ways to Conserve Water at Home

1. Shower Bucket. ...
2. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. ...
3. Turn off the tap while washing your hands. ...
4. If it's yellow, let it mellow. ...
5. Fix your leaks. ...
 Turn off the taps. Don't let your water consumption run out of control. ...
 Boil what you need. Save water, money and energy by only boiling as many cups of
water as you need.
 Shower with less. ...
 Save up your dirty clothes. ...
 Get a low-flush toilet. ...
 Eat less meat. ...
 Steam your veggies. ...
 Reduce food waste.
6.
What are the benefits?
 Saves money.
 Protects drinking water resources.
 Minimizes water pollution and health risks.
 Reduces the need for costly water supply and new wastewater treatment facilities.
 Maintains the health of aquatic environments.
 Saves energy used to pump, heat, and treat water.

What is conservation in simple words?
Water conservation includes all the policies, strategies and activities to sustainably manage
the natural resource of fresh water, to protect the hydrosphere, and to meet the current and
future human demand. Population, household size, and growth and affluence all affect how
much water is used.

Republic of the Philippines

Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila

Twelfth Congress
Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-eight day of July, two thousand three.

Republic Act No. 9275 March 22, 2004

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and 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."

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:

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) 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;

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.

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 2
DEFINITION 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.

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;

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

CHAPTER 2
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

ARTICLE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 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 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 non-governmental 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 wherein 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 affect 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 Philippines Bar;

b) One (1) member shall be a Chemical Engineer, Chemist, Sanitary Engineer,

Environmental Engineer or Ecologist or significant training and experience in chemistry;

c) One (1) member shall be a Civil Engineer or Hydrologist or Significant training and
experience in closely related fields and experience on ground water, respectively; and

d) One (1) member shall be a Geologist, Biologist, or significant training and experience in
closely related fields.

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 R.A. 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.

SECTION 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 non-attainment 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.

SECTION 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, local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies, shall, as soon as
possible, but in no case exceeding a period of twelve (12) months from the affectivity 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 and combined sewerage-septage
projects for LGUs based on population density and growth, degradation of water resources,
topography, geology, vegetation, program/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-of-way/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.

SECTION 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, 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.

SECTION 9. National Water Quality Management Fund. - A water quality management fund, to be
administered by the Department, in coordination with other concerned agencies, as 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.

SECTION 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.

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.

SECTION 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 re-injection 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.
SECTION 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

SECTION 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 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 effluent concentration.

SECTION 14. Discharge Pemits. - 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 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 given 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

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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 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.

SECTION 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 co-located 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.

SECTION 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. 15867 and its implementing rules
and regulations.

CHAPTER 3
INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM

SECTION 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 need arises;

d) Prepare and publish a national 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).

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;

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 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.

SECTION 20. Role of Local Government Units. - Local government units shall share the
responsibility in the management and improvement of water quality within their territorial
jurisdictions.

Each local government unit 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 local government unit 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;

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.

SECTION 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 commerce, shall formulate appropriate incentives for
the adoption procedures that will preserve and protect our water bodies through the introduction of
innovative equipment and processes that reduce if totally eliminate discharge of pollutants into our
water bodies.

SECTION 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 tile functions specified hereunder:

a) Philippine Coast Guard in coordination with 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 or 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 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 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 program pursuant to the objectives of this Act.

SECTION 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 it's 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; (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.

SECTION 24. Pollution Research and Development Programs. - The Department, in coordination
with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), 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, survey and studies
relating to the causes, extent, prevention and control of pollution among concerned government
agencies and research institutions.

CHAPTER 4
INCENTIVES AND REWARDS

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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 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 solidarity 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 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 or 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

SECTION 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 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 condition therein;

j) Non-compliance 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;

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.
SECTION 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 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:

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 no1 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 R. A. No.4850 as
amended.

SECTION 29. Administrative Sanctions Against Non-compliance with the Water Quality
Management Area Action Plan. - Local government officials concerned shall be subject to
Administrative sanctions incase of failure to comply with their action plan accordance with the
relevant provisions of R.A. No. 7160.

CHAPTER 6
ACTIONS

SECTION 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

SECTION 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 provision of
this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into
law and thereafter.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 33. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - There is hereby created a Joint
Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor the implementation of this Act and to review the
implementing rules and regulations promulgated by the Department. 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 35. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or the application 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.

SECTION 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.

ANALYSIS OF WATER AND ITS PARAMETERS

pH, hardness, presence of a selected group of chemical parameters, biocides, highly toxic
chemicals, and B.O.D are estimated. pH is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration. It is an
indicator of relative acidity or alkalinity of water.

What Is the purpose?

It is important to test the suitability of your water quality for its intended purpose, whether it is
livestock watering, irrigation, spraying, or drinking water. This will assist you in making informed
decisions about your water and how you use it.

What is the important?

Quality water is vital to the social, health and economic well being of the prairies and its
people. ... It is important to test the suitability of your water quality for its intended purpose,
whether it is livestock watering, irrigation, spraying, or drinkingwater.

What is water tested for?

nclude tests for coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH, sodium, chloride, fluoride, sulphate, iron,
manganese, total dissolved solids, and hardness. Indicate the presence of microorganisms in
the water that are potentially harmful to human health. A common contaminant found mainly in
groundwater.

Chapter 2 - WATER QUALITY MONITORING, STANDARDS

AND TREATMENT
2.1 Water sampling
2.2 Testing procedures
2.3 Investigative analysis
2.4 Water treatment methods

2.1 Water sampling

2.1.1 Borewells
2.1.2 Municipal mains
2.1.3 Water tanks and reservoirs
2.1.4 Harbour basin water

Water used for processing fish, washing fish or making ice is supposed to meet drinking water
standards if it is to be considered safe. Reason: contaminated water is the main cause for
pathogen-loading of fish, posing a serious health hazard to its consumer.

WHO has issued guidelines for drinking water quality, a report in three volumes. Vol. 1 deals
with guideline values, Vol. 2 deals with each contaminant and Vol. 3 gives information on how to
handle water supplies in small rural communities. WHO recognizes that very stringent standards
cannot be used universally and so a range of guideline values for more than 60 parameters
have been elaborated. Most nations have their own guidelines or standards. The control exerted
by local regulatory authorities may differ from place to place depending on the local situation. So
how can acceptable water quality be defined? What can the harbour-master do to ensure
quality? Ensuring the quality of the harbour basin when it is contiguous with estuarine or coastal
waters is perhaps beyond the scope of the harbour-master except to ensure that activities in his
harbour do not add to the pollution. However, he is duty-bound to ensure that the water used for
drinking, cleaning fish, ice making and fish processing meets standards of potability set in his
country.

Qualitative and quantitative measurements are needed from time to time to constantly
monitor the quality of water from the various sources of supply. The harbour-master
should then ensure appropriate water treatment within the fishery harbour complex as
well as initiate remedial measures with the suppliers when water supply from outside is
polluted.

Water sampling and analysis should be done by ISO-certified laboratories. Wherever

laboratories available locally are not ISO-certified, it is advisable to get their quality assessed by
an ISO-certified laboratory by carrying out collaborative tests to ensure that variation in the
accuracy of results is sufficiently small. Unreliable results exacerbate problems of pollution
when corrective action cannot be taken in time. Sampling and monitoring tests should be carried
out by qualified technicians.

Depending on the actual state of the fishing harbour infrastructure and environmental conditions
in and around the harbour, monitoring should be carried out according to a specific programme
for each source of water supply.

2.1.1 Borewells

Contamination may arise from pollutants entering the water table some distance from the port or
from sewage entering the borehole itself in the port area through cracked or corroded casings.
In cases where overdrawing is evident (water is brackish), tests should be conducted at least
monthly.

2.1.2 Municipal mains

Supply could be contaminated at source or through corroded pipelines leading to the fishery
harbour. Mixing with sewage lines due to defective piping has been known to occur often.
Complete tests should be carried out every half year, and the authorities should be informed
when results indicate contamination.

2.1.3 Water tanks and reservoirs

Both types of structure are prone to bacterial growth if the residual chlorine levels in them are
low or non-existent. Testing may not be necessary if periodic scrubbing is carried out.
Bacteriological tests should be done at least half-yearly.

2.1.4 Harbour basin water

Typically, harbour basins are tested yearly. However, in areas where monsoons are very active,
it may be advisable to test at the peak of the dry season when effluent point discharges tend to
remain concentrated in the water body and again during the wet season when agriculture run-off
may be considerable. Another critical period for harbours is the peak of the fishing season when
the harbour is at its busiest and vessel-generated pollution is likely to be at its peak.

2.2 Testing procedures

2.2.1 Physical tests

2.2.2 Chemical tests
2.2.3 Bacteriological tests

While the details of sampling, testing and analysis are beyond the scope of this handbook, what
follows is a general description of the significance of water quality tests usually made.

Testing procedures and parameters may be grouped into physical, chemical, bacteriological and
microscopic categories.

 Physical tests indicate properties detectable by the senses.

 Chemical tests determine the amounts of mineral and organic substances that affect water
quality.

 Bacteriological tests show the presence of bacteria, characteristic of faecal pollution.

2.2.1 Physical tests

Colour, turbidity, total solids, dissolved solids, suspended solids, odour and taste are recorded.

Colour in water may be caused by the presence of minerals such as iron and manganese or by
substances of vegetable origin such as algae and weeds. Colour tests indicate the efficacy of
the water treatment system.

Turbidity in water is because of suspended solids and colloidal matter. It may be due to eroded
soil caused by dredging or due to the growth of micro-organisms. High turbidity makes filtration
expensive. If sewage solids are present, pathogens may be encased in the particles and escape
the action of chlorine during disinfection.

Odour and taste are associated with the presence of living microscopic organisms; or decaying
organic matter including weeds, algae; or industrial wastes containing ammonia, phenols,
halogens, hydrocarbons. This taste is imparted to fish, rendering them unpalatable. While
chlorination dilutes odour and taste caused by some contaminants, it generates a foul odour
itself when added to waters polluted with detergents, algae and some other wastes.

2.2.2 Chemical tests

pH, hardness, presence of a selected group of chemical parameters, biocides, highly toxic
chemicals, and B.O.D are estimated.

pH is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration. It is an indicator of relative acidity or alkalinity of

water. Values of 9.5 and above indicate high alkalinity while values of 3 and below indicate
acidity. Low pH values help in effective chlorination but cause problems with corrosion. Values
below 4 generally do not support living organisms in the marine environment. Drinking water
should have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Harbour basin water can vary between 6 and 9.

B.O.D.: It denotes the amount of oxygen needed by micro-organisms for stabilization of

decomposable organic matter under aerobic conditions. High B.O.D. means that there is less of
oxygen to support life and indicates organic pollution.

2.2.3 Bacteriological tests

For technical and economic reasons, analytical procedures for the detection of harmful
organisms are impractical for routine water quality surveillance. It must be appreciated that all
that bacteriological analysis can prove is that, at the time of examination, contamination or
bacteria indicative of faecal pollution, could or could not be demonstrated in a given sample of
water using specified culture methods. In addition, the results of routine bacteriological
examination must always be interpreted in the light of a thorough knowledge of the water
supplies, including their source, treatment, and distribution.

Whenever changes in conditions lead to deterioration in the quality of the water supplied, or
even if they should suggest an increased possibility of contamination, the frequency of
bacteriological examination should be increased, so that a series of samples from well chosen
locations may identify the hazard and allow remedial action to be taken. Whenever a sanitary
survey, including visual inspection, indicates that a water supply is obviously subject to pollution,
remedial action must be taken, irrespective of the results of bacteriological examination. For
unpiped rural supplies, sanitary surveys may often be the only form of examination that can be
undertaken regularly.

The recognition that microbial infections can be waterborne has led to the development of
methods for routine examination to ensure that water intended for human consumption is free
from excremental pollution. Although it is now possible to detect the presence of many
pathogens in water, the methods of isolation and enumeration are often complex and time-
consuming. It is therefore impractical to monitor drinking water for every possible microbial
pathogen that might occur with contamination. A more logical approach is the detection of
organisms normally present in the faeces of man and other warm-blooded animals as indicators
of excremental pollution, as well as of the efficacy of water treatment and disinfection. The
presence of such organisms indicates the presence of faecal material and thus of intestinal
pathogens. (The intestinal tract of man contains countless rod-shaped bacteria known as
coliform organisms and each person discharges from 100 to 400 billion coliform organisms per
day in addition to other kinds of bacteria). Conversely, the absence of faecal commensal
organisms indicates that pathogens are probably also absent. Search for such indicators of
faecal pollution thus provides a means of quality control. The use of normal intestinal organisms
as indicators of faecal pollution rather than the pathogens themselves is a universally accepted
principle for monitoring and assessing the microbial safety of water supplies. Ideally, the finding
of such indicator bacteria should denote the possible presence of all relevant pathogens.
Indicator organisms should be abundant in excrement but absent, or present only in small
numbers, in other sources; they should be easily isolated, identified and enumerated and should
be unable to grow in water. They should also survive longer than pathogens in water and be
more resistant to disinfectants, such as chlorine. In practice, these criteria cannot all be met by
any one organism, although many of them are fulfilled by coliform organisms,
especially Escherichia coli as the essential indicator of pollution by faecal material of human or
animal origin.

2.3 Investigative analysis

2.3.1 Test case

A harbour master's knowledge of the state of the environment in and around the fishing harbour
goes a long way toward preventing outbreaks of contamination or disease with subsequent loss
of resources and income. This is particularly so for the many small-to-medium fishing ports
scattered around coastlines in developing countries, where, more often than not, environmental
help and support from central bodies is meagre and very time-consuming.

The following is a true-life example of an investigative analysis carried out in an ASEAN country
in a harbour that was experiencing problems with hygiene (coliform contaminated fish).

2.3.1 Test case

The port in question is situated in the mouth of an estuary. The town's water supply cannot
provide the port with potable water and the port draws groundwater from a series of boreholes
in and around the port area. The port's storage infrastructure consists of only one elevated
concrete tank which cannot be taken out of service for cleaning. Ice is supplied by outside
contractors.

Current laboratory test results were examined and found to be too consistent to reflect natural
changes in the environment, pointing a finger of suspicion at the laboratory's Quality
Assurance. A new laboratory with I.S.O. certification was selected to carry out the new
tests.

Water samples were taken by external technicians from the port's borehole, the auction hall's
water taps, each and every one of the external ice suppliers and the harbour basin.

A sample report from the laboratory is shown in Table 2-1.

In this table, the first column indicates the test parameter and the last column indicates the
method used to determine the test result (sometimes, more than one method may be used to
determine residuals).

The second column indicates how the parameters are measured, the third column gives the
actual test result which may then be compared to the values in the fourth column. The values in
the fourth column are national standards or limits set by Governments and may differ from
country to country. The values in the third column should not exceed those in the fourth column.

Table 2-2 shows the recommended WHO standard limits for potable water.

Table 2-1: SAMPLE WATER ANALYSIS REPORT - PORT TAP WATER

Parameter Unit Test Remarks Requirement Methods

Physical & Chemical *):
 Colour Pt. Co scale 3 15 Colorimetric
 Odour Pt. Co scale negative odourless Organoleptic
 pH Pt. Co scale 6.50 6.5-8.5 Electrometric
 Taste Pt. Co scale normal tasteless Organoleptic
 Turbity FTU 1 5 Turbidity
 Aluminum mg/l below 0.20 0.2 AAS
 Copper mg/l below 0.03 1.0 AAS
 Iron Total mg/l below 0.04 0.3 AAS
 Manganese mg/l 0.06 0.1 AAS
 Sodium mg/l 96.93 200 AAS
 Zinc mg/l 0.047 5 AAS
 Chloride mg/l 140.41 250 Argentometric
 Flouride mg/l 0.09 1.5 Colorimetric
 Nitrate mg/l below 0.11 10 Colorimetric
 Nitrite mg/l 0.96 1 Colorimetric
 Sulphate mg/l below 0.94 400 Turbidimetric
 Arsenic mg/l below 0.001 0.05 AAS
 Barium mg/l below 0.10 1 AAS
 Cadmium mg/l below 0.005 0.005 AAS
 Cyanide mg/l below 0.01 0.1 Colorimetric
 Chrom Hexavalent mg/l below 0.006 0.05 Colorimetric
 Lead mg/l below 0.01 0.05 AAS
 Mercury mg/l below 0.001 0.001 AAS
 Selenium mg/l below 0.007 0.01 AAS
 Organic Matter by KMnO4 mg/l 3.06 10 Permanganantometric
 Dissolved Solid mg/l 431 1000 Gravimetric
 Hydrogen Sulphide as H2S mg/l below 0.01 0.05 Colorimetric
 Total Hardness mg CaCO3 95.49 500 AAS
Bacteriological:
 Total Bacteria per ml 6.9 x 102 1.0 x 102 Pour Plate
 Coliform per 100 ml nil nil Filtration
 E. Coli per 100 ml nil nil Filtration
 Salmonella sp per 100 ml negative negative Filtration
*)
Standard Methods
A. Examination of the port's deep borehole test report revealed that whereas the iron and
manganese levels were over the limit, indicating vegetable matter in the acquifer, the sodium
and chloride levels were low, indicating that the pump was not overdrawing. Both the nitrate and
nitrite levels were low indicating that sewage intrusion into the borehole casing was not a
problem. The total bacterial count, however, was very high, indicating that the water has to be
chlorinated to lower the count.

B. Examination of the auction hall's tap water test report (comparing them to the borehole water)
indicates that the bacterial count is slightly lower but not enough to be considered sanitary and
fit for drinking. The turbidity also dropped dramatically between borehole and tap, indicating
deposition of solids inside the port's only storage tank. The nitrate level also drops as the
nitrates are further converted to nitrites indicating bacteriological activity inside the overhead
tank as well. As it turned out, chlorinating equipment was not installed.

C. Examination of the ice test reports reveals that both sodium and chlorides are over the limit
indicating either leaking cans at the ice plants (dirty brine water enters the ice water during the
chilling operation) or overdrawing at the plant's borehole. Closer examination also revealed that
the nitrite levels are very high (indicating decomposed sewage) and that coliforms were present
in the ice. This pointed a finger at the borehole of one particular plant, which in fact was found to
be overdrawing water to meet an increase in demand. The presence of the coliforms also
indicated that the ice plant's own chlorinating equipment was not functioning properly.

D. A close look at the river basin water indicated heavy contamination by sewage of the water
course.

The conclusions to be drawn from the above exercise are that:

a) The most likely source of contamination was the ice supplied to the fishermen, which in turn
contaminated the fish in the holds;

b) The port's own water supply and storage system was in need of an overhaul;

c) The port's river water was not to be used in any of the fish handling processes.

Table 2-3 gives the EU recommendations for harbour waters in general.

Harbour water is never suitable for use in fish handling processes destined for human
consumption.

Table 2-2: W.H.O. DRINKING WATER STANDARDS

PARAMETER UNIT LIMIT

Aluminium mg Al/l 0.2
Arsenic mg As/l 0.05
Barium mg Ba/l 0.05
Berylium ug Be/l 0.2
Cadmium ug Cd/l 5.0
Calcium mg Ca/l 200.0
Chromium mg Cr/l 0.05
Copper mg Cu/l 1.0
Iron Total mg Fe/l 0.3
Lead mg Pb/l 0.01
Magnesium mg Mg/l 150.0
Manganese mg Mn/l 0.1
Mercury ug Hg/l 1.0
Selenium mg Se/l 0.01
Sodium mg Na/l 200.0
Zinc mg Zn/l 5.0
Chlorides mg Cl/l 250.0
Cyanide mg Cn/l 0.1
Fluorides mg F/l 1.5
Nitrates mg NO3/l 10.0
Nitrites mg NO2/l -
Sulphates mg SO4/l 400.0
Suphides mg H2S/l 0
TOTAL "drins" ug/l 0.03
TOTAL "ddt" ug/l 1.0
Hydrocarbons mg/l 0.1
Anionic Detergents mg/l 0
pH 9.2
Total dissolved solids mg/l 1500
Total hardness mg/l 500
Alkalinity mg/l 500
MICROBIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
Total Bacteria Count/ml 100
Coliform Count/100ml 0
E. Coli Count/100ml 0
Salmonella Count/100ml 0
ug = microgram or ppb
mg = milligram or ppm

Table 2-3: EU ESTUARY AND HARBOUR BASIN WATER STANDARDS

PARAMETER UNIT LIMIT

Mercury ug Hg/l 0.50 (D)
Cadmium ug Cd/l 5.00 (D)
Arsenic mg As/l 0.50 (G)
Chromium mg Cr/l 0.50 (G)
Copper mg Cu/l 0.50 (G)
Iron mg Fe/l 3.00 (G)
Lead mg Pb/l 0.50 (G)
Nickel mg Ni/l 0.50 (G)
Zinc mg Zn/l 50.00 (G)
Tributyltin ug/l 0.002
Triphenyltin ug/l 0.008
Aldrin ug/l 0.01
Dieldrin ug/l 0.01
Endrin ug/l 0.005
Isodrin ug/l 0.005
TOTAL "drins" ug/l 0.03
TOTAL "ddt" all 4 isomers ug/l 0.025
para-ddt ug/l 0.01
Hexachloro-cyclohexane ug/l 0.02
Carbon tetrachloride ug/l 12.0
Pentachlorophenol ug/l 2.0
Hexachlorobenzene ug/l 0.03
Hexachlorobutadiene ug/l 0.10
Chloroform ug/l 12.0
Ethylene Dichloride ug/l 10.0
Perchloroethylene ug/l 10.0
Trichlorobenzene ug/l 0.40
Trichloroethylene ug/l 10.0
Hydrocarbons ug/l 300.0 (G)
Phenols ug/l 50.0
Surfactants ug/l 300.0 (G)
Dissolved Oxygen % Saturation 80-120 (G)
pH 6-9
Sulphide mg/l 0.04 (S)
MICROBIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
Faecal conforms per 100ml 2000
Total coliforms per 100ml 10000
Salmonella 0
Entero viruses 0
ug = microgram
G = Guideline
mg = milligram
S = Suggested
D = Dissolved

2.4 Water treatment methods

2.4.1 Primary treatment

2.4.2 Secondary treatment
2.4.3 Complete treatment
Treatment of raw water to produce water of potable quality can be expensive. It is advisable to
determine the quantity of water needing treatment, as not all water used in a fishery harbour
or processing plant needs to be of potable quality. Sizing of the equipment is crucial to
produce acceptable water at reasonable cost. The main point to remember is that separate
systems and pipelines are required for potable and non-potable water to avoid cross
contamination. Each system must be clearly identified by contrasting coloured pipelines.

Water used for drinking, cleaning fish and ice-making must be free from pathogenic bacteria
and may require secondary treatment or even complete treatment depending on chemical
elements that need to be removed. Water for other needs like general cleaning may perhaps
need only primary treatment.

2.4.1 Primary treatment

There are four methods of primary treatment: chlorination; ozone treatment; ultraviolet
treatment; and membrane filtration.

Chlorination: Fresh or sea water can be chlorinated using either chlorine gas or hypochlorites.
Chlorinated water minimizes slime development on working surfaces and helps control odour.

Figure 8: CHLORINATION TREATMENT

The main advantages of using chlorine gas are:

 It is the most efficient method of making free chlorine available to raw water.
 It lowers the pH of the water slightly.
 Control is simple; testing simple; and it is not an expensive method.

The main disadvantages are:

 Chlorine gas is toxic and can combine with other chemicals to form combustible and explosive
materials.
 Automatic control systems are expensive.

 Chlorine cylinders may not be readily available at small centres.

 Chlorine expands rapidly on heating and hence the cylinders must have fusible plugs set at
70°C. It also reacts with water, releasing heat. Water should not therefore be sprayed on a
leaking cylinder.

Figure 9: PERCENTAGE OF AVAILABLE CHLORINE BY WEIGHT

COMPOUND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION % CHLORINE BY WEIGHT

Chlorine gas Cl2 100.0
Monochloramine NH2Cl 138.0
Diochloramine NH4Cl2 165.0
Hypochlorous Acid HOCl 135.4
Calcium hypochlorite Ca(OCl2) 99.2

Hypochlorites are generally available in two forms - sodium hypochlorite solution normally
available at 10% concentration and calcium hypochlorite available as a powder.

The main disadvantages of using hypochlorites are:

 Calcium hypochlorite is not stable and must be stored in air-tight drums.

 Sodium hypochlorite is quite corrosive and cannot be stored in metal containers
 Sodium hypochlorite must be stored in light proof containers.
 It is difficult to control the rate of addition of hypochlorites in proportion to water flow.
 Hypochlorites raise the pH in water.
 They are more expensive than chlorine gas.

It is important to understand the manner in which chlorine or chlorine-releasing substances

behave when added to water, depending on other substances present.

 When water contains reducing substances like ferrous salts or hydrogen sulphide, these will
reduce part of the added chlorine to chloride ions.

 When water contains ammonia, organic matter, bacteria and other substances capable of
reacting with chlorine, the level of free chlorine will be reduced.

 If the quantity of chlorine added is sufficiently large to ensure that it is not all reduced or
combined, a portion of it will remain free in the water. This is termed as residual free chlorine or
free chlorine.

When chlorine reacts chemically as in the first two cases, it loses its oxidising power and
consequently its disinfecting properties. Some ammoniacal chlorides however still retain some
disinfecting properties. Chlorine present in this form is termed residual combined chlorine or
combined chlorine.
From the standpoint of disinfection, the most important form is free chlorine. Routine analysis
always aims at determining at least the free chlorine level.

Ozone treatment: Though the principle is relatively simple, this method needs special
equipment, supply of pure oxygen and trained operators. Ozone is generated by passing pure
oxygen through an ozone generator. It is then bubbled through a gas diffuser at the bottom of
an absorption column, in a direction opposite to the flow of raw water. Retention or contact time
is critical and the size of the absorption column depends on the water flow.

Figure 10: OZONE TREATMENT

The main advantages of ozone treatment are:

 Ozone is a much more powerful germicide than chlorine especially for faecal bacteria.
 It reduces turbidity of water by breaking down organic constituents.
 The process is easily controlled.

The disadvantages are:

 Pure oxygen may not be readily available locally.

 Ozonized water is corrosive to metal piping.
 Ozone decomposes rapidly into oxygen.
 Water has to be aerated prior to use to remove the ozone.

Ultraviolet irradiation treatment: This method is often used to treat drinking water. Successful
commercial installations have been made to purify sea water in large fish processing plants.

Figure 11: ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION TREATMENT

The main advantages of U-V treatment are:

 U-V rays in the range of 2500-2600 Angstrom units are lethal to all types of bacteria.
 There is no organoleptic, chemical or physical change to the water quality.
 Overexposure does not have any ill effects.

The main disadvantages are:

 Electricity supply should be reliable.

 Turbidity reduces efficiency.
 Water may require prior treatment like filtration.
 The unit requires regular inspection and maintenance.
 Thickness of the water film should not exceed 7.5 cm.

Membrane filtration: Osmotic membrane treatment methods are generally expensive for
commercial scale installations. Combinations of membrane treatment with U-V treatment units
are available for domestic use.

2.4.2 Secondary treatment

Secondary treatment of water consists of sedimentation and filtration followed by chlorination.

Sedimentation can be carried out by holding the raw water in ponds or tanks. The four basic
types of filtration are cartridge filtration, rapid sand filtration, multimedia sand filtration, and up-
flow filtration.

Cartridge filtration: This system is designed to handle waters of low turbidity and will remove
solids in the 5 to 100 micron range.

The main advantages are:

 Low cost and 'in-line' installation.
 Change of cartridge is simple.
 Operation is fool-proof. Once the cartridge is clogged, flow simply stops.

The main disadvantages are:

 Sudden increase in turbidity overloads the system.

 Cartridges may not be readily available and large stocks may be required.

Rapid sand filtration: This system consists of a layer of gravel with layers of sand of
decreasing coarseness above the gravel. As solids build up on top, flow decreases until it stops.
This is corrected by back-flushing the system to remove the solid build up on top, Figure 12.

The main advantages are:

 Cost of filtration media is negligible.

 Operation is simple.

The main disadvantages are:

 A holding tank for filtered water is required to provide clear water back flushing.
 Pumping loads increase as sediments build up.

Figure 12: RAPID SAND FILTRATION

Figure 13: CONVENTIONAL SAND FILTRATION
Multimedia sand filtration: This system is similar to the rapid sand filtration method.

Figure 14: MULTI-MEDIA SAND FILTRATION

Up-flow filtration: Filtration can be at atmospheric pressure or by using a pressurised system,
Figures 15a and 15b.

The main advantages are:

 High flow rates are easily attained.

 Water with turbidity up to 1500 ppm can be handled.
 Degree of filtration can be easily adjusted.
 The filter bed can be easily cleaned using the filtered water.

Figure 15a: ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE UP-FLOW FILTER

 Figure 15b: PRESSURE TYPE UP-FLOW FILTER

The main disadvantage is:

 Close supervision is necessary to ensure that the filter bed does not rupture.

2.4.3 Complete treatment

Complete treatment consists of flocculation, coagulation, sedimentation and filtration followed by

disinfection. Flocculation and coagulation will assist in removing contaminants in the water,
causing turbidity, colour odour and taste which cannot be removed by sedimentation alone. This
can be achieved by the addition of lime to make the water slightly alkaline, followed by the
addition of coagulants like Alum (aluminium sulphate), ferric sulphate or ferric chloride. The
resultant precipitate can be removed by sedimentation and filtration.

Chemical treatment may be required to reduce excessive levels of iron, manganese, chalk, and
organic matter. Such treatment is usually followed by clarification. Iron may be removed by
aeration or chlorination to produce a flocculant which can be removed by filtration. Manganese
may be removed by aeration followed by adjustment of pH and up-flow filtration. Most colours
can be removed by treatment with ferric sulphate to precipitate the colours.