‘More water treatment systems needed’

(SunStar Davao graphics)
(SunStar Davao graphics)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) researcher and marine science professor Caroline Marie B. Jaraula said there is a need for more water-treatment facilities in the country to protect the environment.

Jaraula said the water-treatment facilities can help prevent harmful microorganism pollute the country’s water systems.

Based on the study conducted by Unicef and the World Heath Organization in 2015, in the Philippines, only 10 percent of waste water is treated.

The study also showed that 58 percent of the ground water is contaminated.

Only five percent of the country’s population is connected to a sewer network. The vast majority uses flush toilets connected to septic tanks.

Since sludge treatment and disposal facilities are rare, domestic wastewater is discharged without treatment.

According to United Nations Industrial Development Organization study, approximately 2,000 cubic meters of solvent wastes, biological sludge, lubricants, and intractable wastes, as well as 25 million cubic meters of acid or alkaline liquid wastes are improperly disposed annually in Metro Manila alone.

Jaraula said one of the major challenges faced in putting up a water treatment facility is its cost. A water-treatment will cost around P13 billion.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources recorded seven new septage treatment plants in Sarangani and one in Davao del Sur.

Meanwhile, Jaraula underscored the importance of having an efficient water treatment system.

The UP professor said harmful organic pollutants in water systems, aside from destroying the environment, can contribute in making bacteria which are antibiotic resistant. When this happens, more Filipinos will have to spend longer time in getting sick, and it may cause death. (GAD)

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