PHILIPPINE CLEAN

WATER ACT OF 2004

(R.A. 9275)
Engr. Divina Camarao

Existing Water Resources (NWRB)

Marine Waters
Cover an area of about 226,000 sq km,
including bays and gulfs
Coastline stretches to about 36,289 km
70% of 1,500 municipalities are in
coastal areas

Groundwater

Existing Water Resources (NWRB)

B. Inland Waters
Lakes - 99
Major (minimum area of 4 km2)
Minor (minimum area less than 4 km2)

- 16
- 83

Rivers
Principal Rivers (with drainage area
not less than 40sqkm

)- 421

Major Rivers (drainage area

not less than 1,400 km2

- 18

Status of our Rivers

180 of 421 rivers are
polluted
50 are biologically
dead

4 rivers are from

Metro Manila

HOW DO WE CLASSIFY &

DETERMINE QUALITY OF OUR

WATERBODIES

DAO 2016-08
Water Quality Standards (WQS)
and General Effluent Standards (GES)
(repealed 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations,
Effluent Regulations of 1982, & DAO 1990-34;

and modified DAO 1990-35)

Water Quality Standards (WQS):

- applies to all water bodies: freshwaters,
marine waters and groundwater

- Shall be used for classifying water

bodies and determining time trends
- Used in the process of designating
WQMA

Water Body Classification and Usage of

Freshwaters (Rivers, Lakes)
Classification
Class AA

AA

Intended Beneficial Use

Public Water Supply Class I
Intended primarily for waters having
watersheds, which are uninhabited
and otherwise protected, and which
require only approved disinfection to
meet the latest PNSDW
Public Water Supply Class II
Intended as sources of water supply
requiring conventional treatment
(coagulation,
sedimentation,
filtration and disinfection) to meet
the latest PNSDW

Water Body Classification and Usage of

Freshwaters (Rivers, Lakes)
Classification

Intended Beneficial Use

Class B

Recreational Water Class I

Intended
primary
contact
recreation
such
as
bathing,
swimming, skin diving, etc.
1. Fishery Water for the propagation
and growth of fish and other
aquatic resources
2. Recreational Water Class II (for
Boating,
fishing,
or
similar
activities)
3. For agriculture, irrigation, and
livestock watering

Water Body Classification and Usage of

Freshwaters (Rivers, Lakes)
Classification
Class D

Intended Beneficial Use

Navigable waters

Water Body Classification and Usage

of Marine Waters
Classification
Class SA

SA

Intended Beneficial Use

1.Protected Waters Waters
designated as national or local
marine
parks,
reserves
sanctuaries and other areas
established by law (Presidential
Proclamation 1801, other existing
laws), and/or declared as such by
appropriate government agency,
LGUs, etc.

2.Fishery Water Class 1

suitable for shellfish harvesting
for direct human consumption.

Water Body Classification and Usage

of Marine Waters
Classification
Class SB

SB

Intended Beneficial Use

1.Fishery Water Class II
(Waters suitable for commercial
production of shellfish and
intended as spawning areas for
milkfish (Chanos chanos) and
similar species
2.Tourist Zones For
ecotourism and recreational
activities

3.Recreational Water Class I

(Intended for primary contact
recreation (for bathing,
swimming, skin diving, etc.)

Water Classification and Usage

of Coastal and Marine Waters
Classification

Intended Beneficial Use

1. Fishery Water Class III
(for the propagation and growth of

SC

fish and aquatic resources and

intended for Commercial and
sustenance fishing)

1. Recreational Water Class II For

boating, fishing and similar
activities)

2. Marshy and/or mangrove areas

declared as fish and wildlife
sanctuaries

SD

Navigable waters

Water Quality Guidelines for Primary

Parameters

HOW DO WE DETERMINE
ESTABLISHMENTS COMPLIANCE

General Effluent Standards (GES):

- the legal restriction

or limitation on

quantities, rates, and/or concentrations or

any combination
chemical

or

thereof, of physical,

biological

parameters

of

effluent which a person or point source is

allowed to discharge into a water body;
-

applicable to all industry categories and

defined accdg. to waterbody classification.

Effluent
- means discharges from known source
which is passed into a body of water or
land, or any wastewater flowing out of a
manufacturing plant, industrial plant
including
domestic,
commercial
or
recreational facilities.

Strong Wastes wastewater whose initial BOD

value is equal or greater than 3,000mg/l

Effluent Standards for Industries

Producing Strong Wastes
Influent BOD

Units,

Class C

Class D Class SC

Class
SD

3,000 to <6,500

mg/L

100

150

100

150

6,500 to <10,000

mg/L

200

300

200

300

10,000 to 30,000

mg/L

600

1,000

600

1,000

>30,000

mg/L

900

1,500

900

1,500

Salient Features of the

Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
(RA 9275) and its
Implementing Rules and Regulations
(DAO 0510)
An Act Providing For A Comprehensive Water Quality
Management And For Other Purposes

Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275)

Enacted on March 22, 2004
Published on April 21,2004
Took effect on May 6, 2004

Implementing Rules and Regulations of

the PCWA of 2004 (DAO 200510)
Signed by the Secretary on May 16, 2005
Published last May 26, 2005 (Manila Times
and Manila Standard Today)

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

ARTICLE 1 DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

AND POLICIES

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy

The State shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a
manner consistent with the protection, preservation
and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and
marine waters. To achieve this end, the framework for
sustainable development shall be pursued.

Objectives of the PCWA

To protect the countrys waterbodies from
pollution from landbased sources
To provide comprehensive and integrated
strategy to prevent and minimize pollution
through multisectoral and participatory
approach involving all stakeholders

Coverage of the PCWA

The Act shall apply to:
Water quality management in all water bodies
The abatement and control of pollution from
landbased sources

Enforcement of water quality standards,

regulations and penalties

Sources of Pollution - National

Domestic
Sources 33%

Other Sources
11%

Agricultural
29%

Industrial 27%

Sources of Pollution - NCR

Domestic
58%

Industrial
42%

Water Quality Management

under the Clean Water Act
Designation of Water Quality Management
Areas
The Department, in coordination with the 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 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 devt
programs, prospect or projects

Management of WQMAs
WQMAs are to be managed by multi-sectoral
Governing Boards chaired by the Secretary of the
DENR with representatives from the local
governments
concerned
(province/city/
municipality), the private sector, peoples
organization, NGOs, and concerned government
agencies.

Objectives of Designating WQMA

WQMA is a significant tool in enforcing the CWA.

Aims for the improvement of water quality to meet

the guidelines (DAO 34, s 1990) under which they
have been classified or to improve their
classification so that it meets its projected or

potential use.
Creation of GB who will be responsible in the
preparation of draft WQMA Action Plan. The Plan
is prepared and implemented that provides
focused intervention/s to address specific water
quality problem/s in the area.

Designated WQMAs
San Juan River System WQMA
(DAO 2012-04)

Luzon

Sinocalan-Dagupan RS WQMA
(DAO 2011-14)

MMO RS WQMA
(DAO 2008-07)

Areas within LLDA jurisdiction

(RA 9275)

Visayas

Mindanao

Tigum-Aganan Watershed
(DAO 2006-18)

Iloilo-Batiano RS WQMA
(DAO 2009-11)

Silway River WQMA

(DAO 2010-10)

Sarangani Bay WQMA

(DAO 2009-12)

HOW ESTABLISHMENTS DISCHARGES

ARE REGULATED/CONTROLLED

Sec. 14. Discharge Permits

All owners or operators of
facilities that discharge
wastewater are required to get
a permit to discharge or
wastewater discharge permit
from the DENR.

Rule 14.1: Who may apply for WDP?

Any person that shall discharge in any manner
wastewater into Philippine waters and/or
land shall secure a wastewater discharge
permit from the Regional Office of the
Bureau.

Discharge Permit:
Legal authorization granted by the
DENR to discharge wastewater
Permit information includes:
- quality and quantity of effluent
- compliance schedule
- monitoring requirement

quantity and quality of effluent

Required Permit Information

, among others:

1.
2.
3.

quantity and quality of effluent

compliance schedule
monitoring requirement

Required Permit Information, among others:

1.
2.

quantity and quality of effluent

compliance schedule

Jurisdiction of EMB - NCR

Makati City
Mandaluyong City
San Juan City
Las Pinas City
Paranaque City
Valenzuela City
Malabon City
Navotas City

Jurisdiction of LLDA

Manila
Quezon City
Pasig City
Taquig City
Muntinlupa City
Pasay City
Caloocan City
Marikina City
Pateros

Wastewater Sources & Generation

Condominiums:
From Offices (per 8 hrs shift):
Sewage Generation: 15 gal/per capita/day
Residential
Small dwellings & cottages: 50 gal/cap/day
Large dwellings w/ several fixtures: 75-100 gal/cap/day
Luxury residences & estates: 100-150 gal/cap/day

Rule 14.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR

DP APPLICATION (New)
1. Fully accomplished Discharge Permit
Application form. Duly notarized
2. Appointment/designation paper of the
Pollution Control Officer (PCO) for the
establishment together with complete biodata, curriculum vitae and recent color ID
picture.

3. Engineers Report prepared by a Registered

Chemical or Sanitary Engineer or PCO.
a. Nature of project or business;

b. Brief description of project and operation

involved;
d. The nature and character of the applicants
wastewater and its physical and chemical
composition;

3. Engineers Report prepared by a Registered

Chemical or Sanitary Engineer or PCO.
e. Total daily volume of discharge of raw
wastewater;
f. Treatment process and estimated treatment
efficiency; The expected quality of the
effluent and other discharge shall meet the
Effluent Standards of the DENR;

g. The total daily volume of water consumption

and discharge of final treated wastewater
effluent;

3. Engineers Report prepared by a Registered

Chemical or Sanitary Engineer or PCO.
h. The name of receiving body of water and its
official water classification and in case of land
discharge, the nearest receiving body of water
and its official water classification;
i. Information on flow measurement equipment
and procedure;
j. Pollution prevention/Environmental Mgt.
System plan or program;

3. Engineers Report prepared by a Registered

Chemical or Sanitary Engineer or PCO.
k. DENR ID Number as hazardous waste
generator (if applicable); and

l. State the cost incurred in the installation and

maintenance of wastewater treatment
facility; if any.

4. Drawing requirements in 50cm x 90cm paper

duly signed and sealed by Registered Chemical
or Sanitary Engineer
a. Vicinity Map of the Plant;
b. The wastewater line layout from the
wastewater sources to the WTF; and
c. Plan and elevation drawings of the WTF as
built with complete specifications
5. Official Receipt for the payment of the
applicable fees.
6. Copy of the ECC or Certificate of Non-Coverage
(CNC) from the Department.
7. Water billing statement for the whole year.

Rule 14.3: Renewal of Discharge Permits

Requirements:
a) Copies of the quarterly selfmonitoring reports for the
immediately preceeding year;
b) Copy of the Certificate of Accreditation of the PCO duly
issued by the Dept., or appointment/designation as such
by the Managing Head;
c) Official Receipts for the payment of the applicable
Permit Fee and the Wastewater Discharge Fee; and
d) Copy of the Water Billing Statement

30 days prior to expiry date

Rule 14.9 Effectivity of the Discharge

Permit
The Discharge Permit shall be valid
for a maximum period of five (5)
years from the date of its issuance,
renewable for 5 year- period.

Rule 14.5 Permit Fee

The applicant shall pay an annual permit
fee following the schedule below:
Volumetric Rate of Discharge
Zero Discharge

Amount
Annual Fee (Pesos)
2,000.00

W/o Heavy Metals

Below 10 m3/day
> 10 m3/day 30 m3/day
> 30 m3/day 100 m3/day
> 100 m3/day 150 m3/day
> 150 m3/day

2,000.00
2,200.00
2,500.00
2,700.00
3,300.00

With Heavy Metals

2,600.00
2,800.00
3,100.00
3,300.00
3,900.00

Wastewater Charge System

Established on the basis of payment to
government for discharging wastewater into
the water bodies
Based on net waste load
(diff. Of initial load of abstracted water to
waste load of discharged effluent)

Wastewater Charge System

The Wastewater Discharge Fee Formula

WDF = Ln x R
Ln = net waste load

L n = [C f Ca ) (Q f x N f ) ] x 0.001
where: C f = average daily effluent concentration (mg/l) for priority
pollutant parameter (PPP: BOD or TSS)
Ca = average water quality concentration for PPP of
abstracted or intake water
Q f = average volumetric flowrate measurement or final
discharge effluent (m 3 / day)
N f = is the total number of discharge days in a year
(days/year)

R = rate of charge per pollutant

(BOD/TSS)

Sample Computation
Assumption:
Effluent BOD = 15 mg/
Abstracted water BOD = 0 mg/L
Volume of Discharge = 75 cu.m./day
No. of Days of Operation = 365 days/yr
(Sept. 2013-August 2014)

Ln = (15-0) mg/L x 75 cu.m./day

x 365 days/yr. x 0.001
Ln = 410.625 kg/yr
WDF = 410.625 kg/yr x P 5.00/kg.
= P 2053/yr.
Permit Fee: P 2,500.00 (30 m3/day 100
m3/day)

PROHIBITED ACTS
Discharging, depositing or causing to be
deposited material of any kind directly or
indirectly into water bodies or along the
margin of any surface water
Discharging, injecting or allowing to seep into
the soil or sub-soil any substance in any form
that would pollute groundwater.

PROHIBITED ACTS
Discharging regulated water pollutants
without the valid required discharge
permit
Refusal to allow entry, inspection and
monitoring as well as access to reports and
records

PROHIBITED ACTS
Operating facilities that discharge regulated
water pollutants without the valid required
permits or after the permit was revoked for
any violation of any conditions therein.
Disposal of potentially infectious medical
wastes into seawater by vessels

PROHIBITED ACTS
Unauthorized transport or dumping into
seawater of sewage sludge or solid waste
as defined under RA 6969
Transport, dumping or discharge of
prohibited chemicals ,substances or
pollutants listed under RA 6969

PROHIBITED ACTS
Refusal or failure to submit reports and/or
designate Pollution Control Officer

Directly using booster pumps in the

distribution system or tampering with the
water supply in such a way to alter or
impair the water quality

PROHIBITED ACTS
Operate facilities that discharge or allow
to seep, willfully or through grave
negligence, prohibited chemicals,
substances, or pollutants listed under RA
6969, into water bodies
Undertake activities or development and
expansion of projects, or operating
wastewater treatment/sewerage facilities
in violation of PD 1586 and its IRR

CIVIL LIABILITY/PENAL PROVISIONS

Violation

Penalty/Civil Liability

Upon the recommendation of

the PAB, anyone who
commits prohibited acts such
as Discharging of untreated
wastewater into any water body

Fine of not less than PhP10,000 but not

more than PhP200,000
for every day of violation

Failure to undertake cleanup

operations

Imprisonment not less than 2 yrs. but

not more than 4 yrs. ; A fine of not less
than PhP50,000 but not more than
PhP100,000 per day of violation

Failure or refusal to cleanup

which results in serious injury or
loss of life or lead to irreversible
water contamination

Imprisonment of not less than 6 yrs. and

1 day and not more than 12 yrs. and fine
of PhP500,000 per day for each violation

Magandang Maka-kalikasang Araw sa Inyo

Salamat Po!