RA 9275

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004

La Roca Restaurant, Legazpi City
August 03, 2016

Engr. Jocelyn R. Viñas

Chief, Water and Air Monitoring and Septage Management Section
Environmental Management Bureau V
Rawis, Legazpi City
Objective of Presentation:
To orient the PCOs on the ff. Environmental Laws:

 DAO 16-08 (Water Quality Guidelines & General Effluent Standards)

 RA 9275 (Phil. Clean Water Act of 2004)/DAO 2005-10)

 Objectives
 Coverage
 Wastewater Discharge Permit
 Role of LGUs
 Linkage Mechanism
 Prohibited Acts
 Fines, Damages & Penalties
 CLEAN WATER

DAO 2016-08 RA 9275

Phil. Clean Water Act

Classification of
Waterbodies Effluent Standards
Water Quality Criteria
• WQMA PROGRAMS:
• Septage Mgt.
FRESH WATERS: MARINE WATERS: • WDP
• Prohibited Acts • Industrial Ecowatch
 Class SA • Linkage Mechanism • Sagip-Ilog
 Class AA
• Adopt-an-Estero/
 Class A  Class SB • Fines, Damages &
Penalties Waterbody
 Class B  Class SC • Beach Ecowatch
 Class C  Class SD
 Class D
Pollution Case
 DAO 2016-08

Water Quality Guidelines and

General Effluent Standards of 2016
SECTION 2.0 Objectives

Water Quality Guidelines (WQG)

Provide guidelines for the classification of water bodies in the

country;

Determination of time trends and the evaluation of stages of

deterioration/enhancement in water quality;

Evaluation of the need for taking actions in preventing,

controlling, or abating water pollution; and

Designation of water quality management areas (WQMA).

In addition, this Order is issued to set the General Effluent

Standards (GES).
“Water Quality Guidelines (WQG)” refer to 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 do not result in significant health risk .

“General Effluent Standards (GES)” 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; that is applicable to all industry categories and
defined according to the classification of the receiving water
body.
 SECTION 3.0 Scope and Coverage.
Water Quality Guidelines General Effluent Standards
(WQG) (GES)
 applies to all water bodies in the country:  applies to all point sources of
freshwaters, marine waters & groundwater pollution, regardless of volume,
that discharge to receiving body
 shall be used for classifying water bodies of water or land

 used for determining time trends,

evaluating stages of deterioration or  shall be used regardless of the
enhancement in water quality industry category
 used as basis for taking positive actions in
preventing, controlling, or abating water
pollution

 shall be used in the process of designating

WQMA
SECTION 5.0 Classification of Water Bodies.
Activities (Classification of Waterbody)
 area survey
 quarterly water sampling
 laboratory analysis
 preparation of quarterly monitoring
reports
 public hearing
 report preparation
 endorsement to EMB-CO
 publication
The rules and regulations under WQG are intended to maintain and
preserve the quality of all water bodies based on their intended
beneficial usage and to prevent and abate pollution and
contamination to protect public health, aquatic resources, crops and
other living organisms.

Parameter – a particular physical, chemical or biological property that

is being measured.

Primary parameters (Table 3) are the required minimum water quality

parameters to be monitored for each water body.

Secondary parameters (Tables 4-6) are other water quality parameters

to be used in baseline assessment as part of the EIA and other water
quality monitoring purposes
Table 3. Water Quality Guidelines for Primary Parameters
Class (Fresh Water)
Parameters Unit
AA A B C D

BOD (Biochemical
Oxygen Demand)
mg/L 1 3 5 7 15

DO (Dissolved mg/L 5 5 5 5 2
Oxygen)

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

Temperature ˚C 26-30 26-30 26-30 25-31 25-32

TSS (Total Suspended mg/L 25 50 65 80 110

Solids)
Table 3. Water Quality Guidelines for Primary Parameters
Class (Marine Water)
Parameters Unit
SA SB SC SD

BOD (Biochemical
Oxygen Demand)
mg/L n/a n/a n/a n/a

DO (Dissolved Oxygen) mg/L 6 6 5 2

pH (Range) 7.0-8.5 7.0-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.0-9.0

Temperature ˚C 26-30 26-30 25-31 25-32

TSS (Total Suspended mg/L 25 50 80 110

Solids)
 Table 5. Water Quality Guidelines for Secondary
Parameters-Metals
Class (Fresh Water)
Parameters Unit
AA A B C D

Iron mg/L 1 1 1 1.5 7.5

Lead mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.1

Mercury mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.004

Zinc mg/L 2 2 2 2 4
Table 5. Water Quality Guidelines for Secondary
Parameters-Metals
Class (Marine Water)
Parameters Unit
SA SB SC SD

Iron mg/L 1.5 1.5 1.5 7.5

Lead mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.1

Mercury mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.004

Zinc mg/L 0.04 0.05 0.8 1.5

 Table 6. Water Quality Guidelines for Secondary
Parameters-Organics

Class (Fresh Water)

Parameters Unit
AA A B C D

Cyanide as mg/L 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.1 0.2

Free Cyanide

Oil and mg/L <1 1 1 2 5

Grease
 Table 6. Water Quality Guidelines for Secondary
Parameters-Organics

Class (Marine Water)

Parameters Unit
SA SB SC SD

Cyanide as Free mg/L 0.02 0.02 0.1 0.2

Cyanide

Oil and Grease mg/L 1 2 3 5

 SAMPLE CONTAINER

plastic bottles wide-mouthed jars

 PILAR BAY
Approx. 50 m from mouth of Putiao PROVINCE OF
Approx. 50 m from Pilar River
Station 12
SORSOGON
Port
Approx. 100 m from Station 1 Approx. 50 m from
Classification: Class SC Water
mouth of Sta. Fe River
Station 11 mouth of Tinago
River
Station 2 Station 10 Approx. 200 m Intended uses:
Approx. 30 m from 1.Boating
Station Brgy. Paniquian
from Station 8 Approx. 300 m 2.Fishing
Doña Anan Islet 3
from 3.Marshy and/or mangrove areas
Approx. 100 m from Station 9 Brgy. Oras
Quidavid Lighthouse
Middle of Approx. 300 m
Station from
Station 4 Stations Data Interpretation and Evaluation
7 Brgy. San Rafael
3, 4, 7 and 8

Approx. 300 m PILAR BAY CY 2012 (Average)

from mouth of PILAR Approx. 500 m from
Station 5
Barayong River
BAY Station 6 Tinago Point
STN pH
Temp.
(°C)
D.O.
(mg/L)
TSS
(mg/L)
O/G
(mg/L)
Phosphates
(mg/L)
Nitrates
(mg/L)
1 8.05 27.26 6.59 100 3.25 <0.1 <1.0
2 8.31 27.13 6.66 121.5 4.5 <0.1 <10
Pilar Bay is located at the northwestern part of 3 8.39 26.94 6.42 89 3 <0.1 <1.0
the province of Sorsogon which is southernmost tip of 4 8.32 27.10 6.36 153 6.25 <0.1 <10
the Bicol Peninsula. Its lies at 12°54'9" north latitude 5 8.21 27.14 6.33 119 5.75 <0.1 <1.0
and 123°39'50" east longitude. The nearest places to <10
6 8.42 27.00 6.39 117 3.5 <0.1
Pilar Bay are Doña Ana Island (900 meters southwest), <1.0
7 8.17 27.02 6.32 101.5 5 <0.1
Oras (1½ km east), Quidavid Point (1½ km south), <10
8 8.29 27.12 6.14 133.5 5.75 <0.1
Lognib (1½ km north), and Salvacion (1½ km north).
9 8.41 27.20 6.79 148 6.75 <0.1 <1.0
Malbog and Putiao Rivers are the two major rivers
10 8.34 27.20 6.07 111 5 <0.1 <1.0
that directly drain to Pilar Bay.
11 8.33 27.35 6.36 109.5 4.5 <0.1 <0.7
12 8.33 27.35 6.07 104.5 4.5 <0.1 <0.7
Ref: Pilar Bay Water Classification Report CY 2012
DAO 90-34
Class SC 6.0-8.5 3°C rise 5.0 mg/L 95 mg/L 3 mg/L - -
 LIST OF CLASSIFIED WATERBODIES IN ALBAY

Classification/ Year Classified/

Name of Water Body
Re-Classification Re-Classified
1. Bombon A 1977
2. Quinale C 1983
3. Tayhi A 1977
4. San Francisco C 1995
5. Tagas C 1993
6. Yawa C 1997
7. Kamanitohan C 2001
8. Tabaco Bay SB 2005
9. Sagumayon River C 2007
10. Albay Gulf SB 2011
 LIST OF CLASSIFIED WATERBODIES IN
CAMARINES SUR
Classification/ Year Classified/
Name of Water Body
Re-Classification Re-Classified
1. Bicol A 1976
2. Lagunoy C 1983
3. Naga C 1991
4. Pawili C 1991
5. Kilbay B 1998
6. Ragay B 1998
7. Tinalmud A 1998
8. Sipocot A 1998
9. Tamban-Tinambac A 1998
10. Lake Buhi B 2005
11. Anayan C 2004
12.Balos B 2008
13. Lake Bato B 2003
14. Lake Baao/Bula B 2006
 LIST OF CLASSIFIED WATERBODIES IN
CAMARINES NORTE

Classification/ Year Classified/

Name of Water Body
Re-Classification Re-Classified
1. Daet (Upper) A 1994
(Lower) C 1994
2. Gumaus D 1983
3. Labo (Upper) A 1981
(Lower) C 1981
4. Malaguit C/C 1983/2003
5. Paracale C 2003
6. Talisay
(Upper) A 1981
(Lower) C 1981
7. Paracale Bay SC 2006
8. Mambulao Bay SC 2013
 LIST OF CLASSIFIED WATERBODIES
IN CATANDUANES

Classification/ Year Classified/

Name of Water Body
Re-Classification Re-Classified
1. Pajo
A 1998

2. Bato 1998
A

3. Viga (Cabuyan) 1998

A

4. Gogon River 2010

C
 LIST OF CLASSIFIED WATERBODIES
IN MASBATE
Classification/ Year Classified/
Name of Water Body
Re-Classification Re-Classified
1. Panique C 2003
2. Lanang A 1998
3. Napayawan B 1998
4. Mandaon A 1998
5. Asid B 1998
6. Malbug B 1998
7. Guiom B 1998
8. Nainday B 1998
9. Daraga A 1998
10. Aguada/Nauco A 1998
11. Baleño A 1998
12.Rio Guinobatan C 2005
13.Tugbo A/B 2009
 LIST OF CLASSIFIED WATERBODIES
IN SORSOGON
Classification/ Year Classified/
Name of Water Body
Re-Classification Re-Classified
1. Cawayan B/C 1992/1994
2. Salog C 1995
3. Donsol B 1998
4. Ogod A 1998
5. Putiao B 1998
6. Cadacan A 1998
7. Fabrica A 1998
8. Banuang Daan A 1998
9. Matnog A 1998
10. Lake Bulusan A 2006
11. Pilar Bay SC 2012
12. Sorsogon Bay SC 2014
SECTION 7.0 General Effluent Standards.

Discharges from any point source shall at all times meet the effluent
standards set forth in Tables 2-3 to maintain the required water
quality per water body classification. The GES shall be used
regardless of the industry category.

Effluent used for irrigation and other agricultural purposes shall conform to
the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order 2007-26 or
the Guidelines on the Procedures and Technical Standards for the
Issuance of a Certification Allowing for the Safe Re-use of Wastewater
for the Purposes of Irrigation and Other Agricultural Uses.

Effluent quality monitoring procedures (i.e. effluent quality monitoring

plan, sampling, QA, QC, etc.) shall be in accordance with the Effluent
Quality Monitoring Manual issued through EMB Memorandum Circular
2008-008.
Definition of Terms
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.

Wastewater – waste in liquid state that contains pollutants or

waste substances.

Influent – any wastewater flowing into a treatment plant.

Effluent means discharges from known source, which is passed

into a body of water or land, or wastewater flowing out of a
manufacturing plant, industrial plant including domestic,
commercial, and recreational facilities.
Pollutant refers to any substance, whether solid, liquid, gaseous
or radioactive, which directly or indirectly:

alters the quality of any segment of the receiving water body so

as to affect or tend to affect adversely any beneficial use thereof;
is hazardous or potentially hazardous to health;
imparts objectionable odor, temperature change, or physical,
chemical or biological change to any segment of the water body; or
is in excess of the allowable limits or concentrations or quality
standards specified, or in contravention of the condition, limitation
or restriction prescribed in RA 9275.

Water Pollution is the alteration of the natural quality of water as a

result of impacts of human activities
 PLANT

Influent Upstream

WTF

Effluent Outlet 2
Outlet 1
River

Outfall
Downstream
CONSIDERATION IN THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF MONITORING STATIONS

The station must be accessible. Safety

of the person conducting effluent
sampling must be considered in
selecting the site.
 Table 9. Effluent Standards
Class (Fresh Water)
Parameters Unit
AA A B C D

BOD (Biochemical mg/L NDA 20 30 50 120

Oxygen Demand)

Cyanide as Free mg/L NDA 0.14 0.14 0.2 0.4

Cyanide

pH (Range) NDA 6.0-9.0 6.0-9.0 6.0-9.5 5.5-9.5

˚C
Temperature change NDA 3 3 3 3

TSS (Total mg/L NDA 70 85 100 150

Suspended Solids)
 Table 9. Effluent Standards

Class (Fresh Water)

Parameters Unit
AA A B C D

Mercury mg/L NDA 0.002 0.002 0.004 0.008

Oil and Grease mg/L NDA 5 5 5 15

MPN/100
Fecal Coliform ml NDA 4 200 400 800

MPN/100
Total Coliform ml NDA 3,000 3,000 10,000 15,000
 Table 9. Effluent Standards
Class (Marine Water)
Parameters Unit
SA SB SC SD

BOD (Biochemical mg/L NDA 30 100 150

Oxygen Demand)

Cyanide as Free mg/L NDA 0.04 0.2 0.4

Cyanide

pH (Range) NDA 6.5-9.0 6.0-9.0 5.5-9.5

˚C
Temperature change NDA 3 3 3

TSS (Total Suspended mg/L NDA 70 100 150

Solids)
 Table 9. Effluent Standards

Class (Marine Water)

Parameters Unit
SA SB SC SD

Mercury mg/L NDA 0.002 0.004 0.008

Oil and Grease mg/L NDA 5 10 15

MPN/100
Fecal Coliform ml NDA 200 400 800

MPN/100
Total Coliform ml NDA 3,000 10,000 15,000
 RA 9275
The Philippine
Clean Water Act of
2004
 RA 9275
THE PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT
OF 2004 IS A MILESTONE
LEGISLATION THAT CAN DELIVER
THE MUCH NEEDED SUPPORT IN
OUR EFFORT TO ADDRESS WATER
CONCERNS.

THIS LAW CALLS FOR AN

INTEGRATED, HOLISTIC,
DECENTRALIZED AND
PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO
ABATING, PREVENTING AND
CONTROLLING WATER POLLUTION.
 Why the need for the CWA ?
• 1996 monitoring of country’s rivers showed that:
51% of the classified rivers still
meet the standards for their
beneficial use
49% already polluted from
domestic, commercial,
industrial and agricultural sources.
• Study:
31% of diseases in the Philippines is
caused by polluted waters.
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 2005-10)

• SIGNED by the Secretary on May 16, 2005

• published last May 26, 2005 (Manila Times and
Manila Standard Today)
OBJECTIVES:
• To protect the country’s
waterbodies from pollution
from land-based sources

• To provide comprehensive and integrated

strategy to prevent and minimize pollution
through multi-sectoral and participatory
approach involving all stakeholders
What are the Coverage of the Act?
This Act shall apply to:

 water quality management in all water bodies

 the abatement and control of pollution from
land-based sources

*enforcement of general effluent standards,

regulations and penalties
 “Water Quality Management Area (WQMA)” are
certain areas designated using appropriate physiographic
units (i.e. watershed, river basins or water resources
regions), having similar hydrological, hydrogeological,
meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the
physiochemical, 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.
Water Quality Management Area
(WQMA)

Watershed
a small area of land that drains to a smaller stream, lake or wetland
How will discharges of wastewater be 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
Wastewater Discharge Permit

the legal authorization granted by

the Department to discharge
wastewater
 Sec. 20. Role of LGUs

 responsible for water quality within their

jurisdictions in places within WQMA. LGUs shall
prepare a compliance scheme subject to review
and approval of the WQMA Governing Board.
 Monitor water quality
 Conduct emergency response
 Adopt septage management program or other
sanitation alternatives for areas where there are
no existing facilities.
 Sec. 22. Linkage Mechanism
 Phil. Coast Guard (PCG) – shall enforce water
quality standards in marine waters, specifically
offshore sources

 Department of Public Works and Highways

(DPWH) – through the attached agencies, shall
provide sewerage and sanitation facilities, and
the efficient and safe collection, treatment and
disposal of sewerage within their area of
jurisdiction.
 Sec. 22. Linkage Mechanism
• Department of Agriculture (DA) – shall
formulate guidelines for the reuse of
wastewater for irrigation and other
agricultural uses and the prevention, control
and abatement of pollution from agricultural
and aquaculture activities.
(Admin. Order No. 26, Series of 2007
Subject: “Guidelines on the Procedures and Technical Requirements for
the Issuance of a Certification Allowing the Safe Re-Use of Wastewater for
Purposes of Irrigation and Other Agricultural Uses, Pursuant to Section
22.c of RA 9275 otherwise known as the Phil. Clean Water Act of 2004”)
 Sec. 22. Linkage Mechanism
• Department of Health (DOH) – shall set, revise,
and enforce drinking water quality standards.
• Department of Science and Technology (DOST) –
shall evaluate, verify, develop and disseminate
pollution prevention and cleaner production.
• DepEd, CHED, DILG, PIA – shall prepare and
implement a comprehensive and continuing public
education and information program.
 Sec. 27: Prohibited Acts

a.discharging or depositing any water pollutant

to the water body which could cause water
pollution, or impede natural flow in the water
body

b.discharging, injecting or allowing

to enter into the soil, anything

that would pollute groundwater
c.operating facilities that
discharges regulated water
pollutants without the required
permits

d.disposal of potentially
infectious medical waste
into sea by vessels

e.unauthorized transport or
dumping into waters of
sewage sludge or solid waste
f.transport, dumping or discharge
of prohibited chemicals,
substances or pollutants listed
under RA 6969 (toxic chemicals, hazardous
and nuclear waste control act)

g.discharging regulated water pollutants

without the valid required discharge
permit

h.refusal to allow entry, inspection and

monitoring as well as access to reports and
records
i.refusal or failure to submit reports
and/or designate Pollution Control
Officer (PCO)

j.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
k.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

l.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 Fine of not less than

recommendation of PhP10,000 but not more
the PAB, anyone than PhP200,000 for
who commits every day of violation
prohibited acts such
as Discharging of
untreated
wastewater into
any water body
57
 CIVIL LIABILITY/PENAL PROVISIONS

Violation Penalty/Civil Liability

Imprisonment not less

Failure to undertake than 2 yrs. but not more
clean-up operations than 4 yrs. ; A fine of not
less than PhP50,000 but
not more than
PhP100,000 per day of
violation
58
 CIVIL LIABILITY/PENAL
PROVISIONS
Violation Penalty/Civil Liability

Failure or refusal Imprisonment of not less

to clean-up which than 6 yrs. and 1 day
results in serious and not more than 12
injury or loss of life yrs. and fine of
or lead to PhP500,000 per day for
irreversible water each violation
contamination
59
 Inspection of Firms

Important Information:

o Validity of permits
o Self-Monitoring Reports (SMRs)-quarterly/monthly
o Results of Laboratory Analysis (RLAs)-quarterly
o Records – plant’s/WTF’s operation
o sources/volume/treatment/disposal of wastes
(solid, wastewater, hazardous wastes, etc.)
o discharges, no. of outlets, receiving body of water
& its classification
 Legal/PAB Cases
o violation of RA 9275 (DAO 90-35) – no permit/
exceedance to standards/violation of WDP
conditions
o issuance of notice of violation (NOV)/summon for
technical conference (TC)
o conduct of TC, commitment (within ___ days)
o validation/resampling
- if the result is within the DENR Standards,
issue an order regarding payment of fines
- if failed to comply with standards, endorse
to PAB…
o hearing will be conducted by PAB (CDO, TLO, FLO)
o computation of fines (Php10,000~200,000 per day
of violation)
 PROGRAMS

 Industrial Ecowatch
 Sagip-Ilog
 Adopt-An-
Estero/Waterbody
 Beachwatch
WATERSHED
 Industrial Ecowatch Program
 It is an information and public disclosure-
based system of environmental compliance
and responsiveness of industrial and
commercial firms

 Aims to encourage industries to conduct

voluntary self-regulation for improved
environmental performance by encouraging
pollution reduction beyond compliance
through public recognition and praise
Industrial Ecowatch Program

It has varying degrees of

assessment with equivalent
color-codes from gold (denoting
excellence), all the way to black
(very bad performance)
 Industrial Ecowatch Program
COLOR CODE
Black (very bad) - No WTF; exceedance to standards;
PAB Case
Red (bad) - exceedance to standards even with
WTF
Blue (good) - compliant to standards
Green (very good) - Blue in the previous rating
Silver (excellent) - Green in the previous rating;
clean technology
Gold (outstanding) -2x silver; EMS; with waste
reduction program
Under Assessment - interim rating
 Industrial Ecowatch Program

Assessment and evaluation are based on the ff:

o Self-Monitoring Reports (SMRs);

SMRs periodic update of
status of operation and compliance

o Validity of permits

o Environmental performance/compliance monitoring

o Facility inspection and validation/sampling

 Water is life …
make it safe
for our survival!

Please visit our website at: http://emb.gov.ph

or e-mail us at: mis_emb_r5@yahoo.com