Source: http://scm-l3.technorati.com/10/12/25/24069/water.jpg
The Philippines is comprised of 7100 islands. Based on the census last July 2004, the Philippine population is 86.2 million and is projected to reach 100 million in 14 years. Currently, the population growth is 2.71% or 3 persons born per minute. Existing settlement patterns show that 48.05% of the population live in urban areas while the rest in rural areas. There are about 85,000 manufacturing industries in the Philippines, 52% of which is found in the Metro Manila region.
With the rapid increase in population,urbanization and industrialization, the quality of the Philippine waters is reduced especially in densely populated areas and region of industrial and agricultural activities. Discharges of domestic and industrial wastewater and agricultural run-off, has caused extensive pollution of the receiving water-bodies. This consists of raw sewage, detergent, heavy metals, chemical products,oils, and even solid waste.
The adverse impact of water pollution cause the economy an estimated 67 billion pesos annually. Access of clean and adequate water remains an acute seasonal problem in urban and coastal areas in the Philippines. The government's monitoring data indicates:
1..) Just over a third or 60% of the country's river systems as classified as sources of public water supply.
2.) Of the 58% of ground water sampled is contaminated with coliform and needs treatment.
3.) Approximately 31% of illness monitored for a 5 year period were caused by water borne sources
4.) Many areas are experiencing a shortage of water supply during the season.
Nearly 2.2 million metric tons of organic pollution are produced annually by 48% domestic sector, 37% agricultural sector, and 15% industrial sector. Untreated wastewater affects health by spreading disease-causing bacteria and viruses makes water unfit for drinking and recreational uses, threatens biodiversity, and deteriorates overall quality of life. Despite the awareness of the need to improve sanitation and water pollution control, there is less technology and budget available in the government to help solve this economic problem.
Source: http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/state/philippines/overview.htm
-Paul Yoingco
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