DOST's new project helps reduce water consumption

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology-Region VII has developed a technology on eco-efficient water infrastructure that enables establishments to reduce water consumption.

DOST-7 Assistant Regional Director Edilberto Paradela said the new technology will help reduce water consumption thereby saving on water bill costs if it will be adopted in establishments and in households.

Paradela presented their Integrated Rainwater and Storm Water Harvesting which they used in their own building.

 “The DOST-7 building has a facility that harvests storm water, rainwater, and gray water, and filters these for reuse in its toilets and in watering plants,” Paradela said.

The facility, according to Paradela, has reduced their water consumption by 75 percent.

He revealed that they have developed replication and capacity-building strategies in case there are interested parties who would like to implement the technology that DOST-7 is promoting.

The project cost, however, is still to be determined as the development of the technology is a partnership among the DOST, Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and private firms.

Paradela said the technology can be useful in the region for addressing issues on water quality, over-extraction of the aquifer, non-use of rainwater and flooding. —(FREEMAN)