Cruz, Tiffany Grace V.

BS ChE V

Understanding Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Complying with DAO 34-35

and 2016-08 and PN SDW

The opening remarks was given by Ms. Jarlie Clemea. Then the speaker, Kevin Bernard

Domingo, a sales engineer at Mac Union Water Laboratory, proceeded with his talk.

First, he talked about properties/qualities of potable water. The primary aim of the quality

standards for potable drinking water is the protection of public health. The quality of water defined

by potable drinking water standards is such that it is suitable for human consumption of health-

related chemicals and microbiological components, with satisfactory aesthetic and organoleptic

characteristics aspects. The water must be suitable for all usual domestic purposes, including

personal hygiene.

The WHO guidelines list many contaminants, but it is unlikely that all of these chemicals

will occur in all water supplies, or even in all countries. Care needs to be taken in selecting

substances and other aspects for establishing national drinking water standards.

The new set of guidelines contained in DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2016-08, is in

compliance with section 19e and 19f of RA 9275. Section 19e says that the DENR shall enforce,

review and revise within 12 months from the effectivity of the Clean Water Act, water quality

guidelines after due consultation with the concerned stakeholder sectors. The new guidelines

however came eleven years late. The long delay, I presumed, was due to the numerous public

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consultations that were conducted to ensure that all concerns are addressed. Under the new DAO,

water quality guidelines are set for each type of water body. For instance, a river classified as Class

A, or a public water supply class II, must have a BOD of 3 mg/L and a dissolved oxygen level of

5mg/L. A swimming and bathing water body like the Manila Bay which falls under SB category

should have a fecal coliform level of 100 MPN/100ml only. Fecal coliform are found in the

intestines and feces of people and animals. The presence of fecal coliform in water often indicates

recent fecal contamination.

And last but not least, he talked about Water Treatment. Data from the Environmental

Management Bureau (EMB), Philippines showed that out of the 127 freshwater bodies being

sampled, 47% percent were found to have good water quality. However, 40% of those sampled

were found to have only fair water quality, while 13% showed poor water quality.

It is estimated that in 2025, water availability will be marginal in most major cities and in

8 of the 19 major river basins in the country. Waterborne diseases remain a severe public health

concern in the country. About 4,200 people die each year due to contaminated drinking water. This

is the reason why water and wastewater treatment should be taken seriously.