Operations Manual on the Rules and Regulations Governing Domestic Sludge and Septage

Download Operations Manual on the Rules and Regulations Governing Domestic Sludge and Septage

Protecting water resources from pollution and people from water contamination are two of the most pressing challenges facing the Philippines today. The direct relationship between diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis and dysentery, and untreated household sewage,
is well documented. At least 31 Filipinos die every day from diarrhea alone, and many more miss work and school or are hospitalized due to poor sanitation. The World Bank estimates that the economic losses associated with these health impacts, plus losses from the fisheries, tourism, agriculture, commercial, and industrial sectors, exceed PhP78 billion per year.
The prevalence of waterborne diseases and pollution in water bodies, however, can be significantly reduced if comprehensive programs are implemented to regularly desludge septic tanks, and properly treat and dispose or reuse the septage. Capable national and local governments need to effectively regulate and implement septage management programs.