04 Water Supply

Water Supply Overview

• Presented by: Engr. Miguel G. Cabanit

Agenda

• Water Supply Source

• Water Demand

• Water Conservation

• Quality Requirement

• Water Regulations

Introduction

• Environmental engineers ensure the provision of quality drinking water for domestic, commercial, and industrial use.

• Key aspects of water supply include:

  • Demand projections

  • Quality requirements

  • Evaluation of surface water and groundwater sources

  • Groundwater production and surface water treatment

  • Saline water treatment and nonconventional water production

  • Treated water distribution

• Focused question: "Where does Cebu’s water come from?"

Local Water Sources

Local Dams

• Significant dams in Cebu:

  • Buhisan Dam (Cebu City)

  • Malubog Dam (Toledo City)

  • Jaclupan Dam (Talisay City)

Local Weirs

• Examples:

  • Jaclupan weir supplies agricultural and irrigation needs.

Local Wells

• Increased reliance on groundwater due to low recharge rates.

Rivers

• Example:

  • Luyang River in Carmen is a major potable water supplier, facing a crisis.

Water Demand

Current Situation

• MCWD Data (2023): Metro Cebu has a water supply deficit of 250,000 cubic meters/day.

  • Demand: 500,000 cubic meters/day

  • Supply: 250,000 cubic meters/day (including private wells)

Causes of Insufficiency

• Increasing population in Metro Cebu

• Over-extraction of groundwater

• Saltwater intrusion

• Nitrate contamination of groundwater wells

• Moratorium on groundwater drilling

Water Conservation

Importance

• Critical practice in response to global water supply strains from:

  • Population growth

  • Urbanization

  • Climate change

  • Pollution

• Conservation methods can reduce water consumption and utility costs.

Strategies for Conservation

• Manage and use water resources efficiently to reduce waste.

Water Conservation Exercises

• Activities:

  • Limit shower time to 4 minutes.

  • Collect greywater for reuse and measure the quantity.

Water-Efficient Technologies

Developments

• Water-efficient appliances, fixtures, and irrigation systems reduce waste.

Examples of Technologies

• Water leak detection systems

• Reusable systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse.

Agricultural Efficiency Measures

• Focus on:

  • Improving irrigation efficiency

  • Promoting drought-resistant crops

  • Implementing water-saving practices

Land Use Planning & Green Infrastructure

• Urban strategies to:

  • Manage stormwater runoff

  • Replenish groundwater

  • Reduce potable water needs for landscaping

Techniques

• Permeable Pavement: Allows stormwater to filter through.

• Rain Gardens: Designed to soak up rainwater runoff.

Water Pricing and Incentive Programs

• Implementation of tiered pricing systems to promote conservation.

• Incentive programs that provide rebates or subsidies for water-saving devices.

Public Awareness Campaigns

• Initiatives run by governments, NGOs, and community organizations to:

  • Raise awareness

  • Encourage behavioral changes in water usage.

National Water Quality Requirements

Definition

• Water quality is determined by its chemical, physical, and biological characteristics.

• Important for drinking, cooking, and recreational activities.

Factors Affecting Water Quality

• Concentration of dissolved oxygen

• Bacteria levels

• Salinity and turbidity

• Measurement of algae and contaminants.

Domestic Water Use

Standards for Potability

• Ensuring safe consumption through limits on contaminants:

  • Microbial (e.g. bacteria, viruses)

  • Chemical (e.g. heavy metals, pesticides)

  • Physical properties (e.g. turbidity)

Turbidity Measurement

• Definition: Refers to the cloudiness of water due to suspended particles.

Recommended pH Levels

• The recommended range for drinking water is 6.5 to 8.5.

Clarity and Taste

• Domestic water must be clear, colorless, and free of odors.

Chlorine Residual

• Chlorine added to maintain quality in a range of 0.3 to 1.5 ppm.

Commercial Water Use

Health and Safety Standards

• Water quality requirements for establishments such as:

  • Restaurants and hotels

  • Recreational facilities.

Aesthetic Considerations

• Clarity, taste, and odor are essential for customer satisfaction in commercial settings.

Industrial Water Use

Process Requirements

• Tailored water quality requirements for:

  • Manufacturing processes

  • Equipment (cooling and boiler feed).

Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004

Overview

• Landmark legislation aimed at protecting and conserving water resources.

Water Quality Standards

• Establishes standards for safe surface and groundwater usage.

Pollution Control Programs

• Mandates the development of programs to manage pollutants from diverse sources.

Regulatory Framework

• Establishes agencies like the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) for enforcement.

Wastewater Management

• Requires treatment of wastewater before discharge.

Septage Management

• Develops local programs for wastewater disposal/treatment.

Public Participation

• Encourages community involvement in water management.

Inter-Agency Cooperation

• Promotes collaboration among various government levels and agencies.

Incentives and Rewards

• Provides financial benefits for water quality management initiatives.

Penalties for Violations

• Fines for illegal discharge into water bodies; empowered agencies to enforce compliance.