Pollution comes mostly from households — DENR

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes said yesterday that the bulk of pollution actively comes from households that throw garbage into rivers and creeks, debunking wide perception that pollution comes from the industrial sector.

Citing a recent study, Reyes said that high population density, especially in urban areas, means that spaces that provide some margin of safety between septic tanks and deep wells and pipes for potable water are deteriorating.

At the same time, Reyes urged the public to participate in the "war for safe and clean water."

"We are now engaged in the only war that we are authorized to wage morally, the war against our own extinction... and we have to wage this war now," urged the DENR chief. "This new protracted battle has to be won on all fronts.  It has to be a harmonious, synchronized, coordinated, united effort involving the government, national and local, non-government organizations, the donor agencies and the community."

According to Reyes, in Metro Manila alone, 80 percent of pollution comes from domestic sources, mostly households.

He also said that around 85 percent of urban households have septic tanks which need "desludging" every five to seven years.   However, "desludging" is not done either because of ignorance, lack of means, or outright irresponsibility.

"Seepage from septic tanks can contaminate groundwater brought up through deep and shallow wells while leaking pipes can also become conduits for contaminated water.  These situation exposes everyone to water-borne diseases," Reyes explained.

As this developed, the Manila Water Co. recently launched its multi-million FTI Septage Treatment Plant, which is expected to improve water sanitation in the east zone of Metro Manila.

The $86-million project of the Ayala-led water company includes septic management, which will provide desludging services to around 2.3 million people.  The septic management would involve the deployment of a fleet of vacuum desludging tankers, and establishment of two septage treatment plants.

The sewerage project of Manila Water will likewise include the rehabilitation of the FTI water network, which is expected to remedy the inadequate flow of water brought about by increased demand as well as by antiquate pipes, including asbestos and cement pipes that are now considered a health hazard.

"Nobody wants to live near a cesspool, and the idea that the water that runs through your faucet is contaminated is repulsive, unacceptable.  This project will assure the public of cleaner and safer water to drink," Reyes said as he thanked the proponents of the sewerage project.

The groundbreaking for the FTI Septage Treatment Plant in Taguig was held last Tuesday.  The Manila Water said the project will be finished by next year.

"Business should not only reap profits, provide employment, and pay taxes, it should also take environmental responsibility as one of its objectives," he added.