Water Quality Laws Controlling

Water Pollution
 Water Quality Laws Controlling
Water Pollution

RA 9275 – The Philippine Clean Water Act

“An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Water Quality Management and
for Other Purposes”

it was signed by former

President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo on
March 22, 2004.
Water Quality Laws Controlling
Water Pollution

Why the need for the Clean Water Act?

- 51% of the classified rivers still met the standards for

their most beneficial use.

Thirty-one percent (31%) of all illnesses in the

country are attributed to polluted waters.
Water Quality Laws Controlling
Water Pollution

What is the Clean Water Act?

- The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275)
aims to protect the country’s water bodies from
pollution from land-based sources.
Highlights of the Clean Water Act

How will water quality be managed?

- Will be based on watershed,
river basin or water resources region.

Who will manage these areas?

- Localized
- Multi-sectoral governing boards
Highlights of the Clean Water Act

Who are the members of the Governing Boards?

- Representatives of mayors and governors
- LGU
- Representatives of relevant national government agencies
- Duly registered NGOs
- Water utility sector and the business sector.

What are the functions of the Governing Boards?

- Formulate strategies to coordinate policies
Highlights of the Clean Water Act

How will discharges of wastewater be controlled?

- Permit to discharge from the DENR or the
Laguna Lake Development Authority.

How will the discharge of wastewater be discouraged?

1. Wastewater charge
2. Rewards will also be given

What safeguards are provided for?

- Environmental guarantee fund
(EGF) as part of their environmental management plan.
Highlights of the Clean Water Act

What are the prohibited acts under R.A. 9275?

1. Discharging or depositing any water pollutant to the water body,

or such which will impede natural flow in the water body.

2. Discharging, injecting or allowing to enter into the soil, anything that

would pollute groundwater.

3. Operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without

the valid required permits.
 Highlights of the Clean Water Act

4. Disposal of potentially infectious medical waste into sea by vessels.

5. Unauthorized transport or dumping into waters of sewage sludge or solid waste.

6. Transport, dumping or discharge of prohibited chemicals, substances

or pollutants listed under Toxic Chemicals, Hazardous and Nuclear

7. Wastes Control Act (Republic.Act No. 6969)

8. Discharging regulated water pollutants without the valid required

Highlights of the Clean Water Act

9. Noncompliance of the LGU with the Water Quality Framework

and Management Area Action Plan.

10. Refusal to allow entry, inspection and monitoring as well as access

to reports and records by the DENR in accordance with this Act.

11. Refusal or failure to submit reports and/or designate pollution control officers whenever
required by the DENR in accordance with this Act.
Highlights of the Clean Water Act

12. 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.

13. Operate facilities that discharge or allow to seep, willfully or through grave negligence,
prohibited chemicals, substances, or pollutants listed under R.A. No. 6969, into water bodies.

14. Undertake activities or development and expansion of projects, or operating wastewater

treatment/sewerage facilities in violation of P.D.1586 and its IRR.
Highlights of the Clean Water Act

What are the fines and penalties imposed on polluters?

- Doing prohibited acts

(Php 10,000 but not more than
Php 200,000 every day)

-Failure to undertake clean-up operations willfully

(imprisonment - 2 to 4 years)
(fine - Php 50,000 to Php 100,000 per day of violation).
Highlights of the Clean Water Act

What are the fines and penalties imposed on polluters?

-Failure or refusal to clean up which results in serious injury or loss of

life or lead to irreversible water contamination of surface, ground,
coastal and marine water
(imprisonment - 6 to 12 years)
(Fine - Php 500,000/day for each day)

- Gross violation
(Fine - Php 500,000 to Php 3,000,000 each day)
(Criminal charges may also be filed)
 Who should implement the Clean Water Act?

DENR - responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Act.

PCG - shall enforce water quality standards in marine waters

 Who should implement the Clean Water Act?

DPWH - shall provide sewerage and sanitation facilities, and the efficient and
safe collection, treatment and disposal of sewage within their area of
jurisdiction.

DOA - shall formulate 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.
 Who should implement the Clean Water Act?

DOH - shall set, revise and enforce drinking water quality standards.

DOST - shall evaluate, verify, develop and disseminate

pollution prevention and cleaner production technologies.
 Who should implement the Clean Water Act?

The DepEd, CHED, DILG, and the PIA shall prepare and implement a
comprehensive and continuing public education and information program.