LOCAL government units (LGUs) and business sectors in Iloilo are urged to embark in wastewater treatment projects to save more water.
United States Agency for International Development (Usaid)-Be Secure Project Sanitation team leader Jose Serafin Tecson Tuesday, March 21, said it is projected that a lot of cities in the Philippines will run dry and will have shortage in drinking water in 2025.
He recommended domestic wastewater be treated so they could be reused, even for drinking purposes.
Domestic wastewater refers to the water produced when people wash dishes, take a bath, wash clothes, clean the car, and cook, among other chores.
Tecson said LGUs and business sectors should think about how to generate additional supply of water and also manage the demand by introducing conservation programs.
He cited Republic Act 9275, also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, required the public to “treat wastewater and safeguard wastewater resources.”
“Local government needs to step up to do more wastewater treatment projects. The business sector should step up as well in terms of resources that they share within the communities where they are located to do more wastewater treatment in their own businesses and help set up more wastewater treatment facilities in the region,” Tecson said.
Tecson mentioned Singapore as among the countries which treat their wastewater and have attained 100 percent water security.
The Usaid, through its four-year Be Secure project implementation in Iloilo, has trained about 1,800 people in this city and province for improved water and sanitation.
The call to treat wastewater is in line with this year’s celebration of World Water Day, held every 22nd day of March.
This year’s celebration supports the Sustainable Development Goal 6.3: “By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.”
Stakeholders from the government agencies and private sectors to include the Usaid gathered in Iloilo City on Tuesday as the Provincial Government joined in the celebration to highlight the importance of water and wastewater management. (PNA)