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.