Cwa Irr Dao2005 10

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1110
T el. Nos : (632) 929-66-26 to 29 • (632) 929-65-52
929-66-20 • 929-66-33 to 35
929-70-41 to 43
"AY 1 6 2005
DENR Administrative Order
No. 2005- / O
SUBJECT: Implementing Rules and Regulations of the

Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic
Act No. 9275)
Pursuant to Section 32 of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, and Executive Order
No. 192 (1987), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources hereby adopts and
promulgates the following rules and regulations, in coordination with the Committee on
Environment and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Ecology of the House of
Representatives, and other concerned agencies:
Rule 1. Title. These rules shall be known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations
(IRR) of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.
.
1.1 Reference The text of Republic Act No. 9275 (CWA) is reproduced herein
for reference purposes.
1.2 Effectivity of the CWA, The CWA was published on April 21, 2004 and
subsequently took effect on May 6, 2004.
CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1
Declaration of Principles and Policies
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Water Act of
2004."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a
manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh,
brackish and marine waters. To achieve this end, the framework for sustainable
development shall be pursued. As such, it shall be the policy of the State:
a) To streamline processes and procedures in the prevention, control and abatement of

pollution of the country's water resources;
b) To promote environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic instruments and
of control mechanisms for the protection of water resources;
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c) To formulate a holistic national program of water quality management that
recognizes that water quality management issues cannot be separated from concerns
about water sources and ecological protection, water supply, public health and
quality of life;
d) To formulate an integrated water quality management framework through proper
delegation and effective coordination of functions and activities;
e) To promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environment
friendly and energy efficient;
f) To encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries through
the application of incentives and market-based instruments and to promote the role
of private industrial enterprises in shaping its regulatory profile within the
acceptable boundaries of public health and environment;
g) To provide for a comprehensive management program for water pollution focusing
on pollution prevention;
h) To promote public information and education and to encourage the participation of
an informed and active public in water quality management and monitoring;
i) To formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long-term
adverse environmental impact of a project, program or activity; and
j) To encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the academe and
business undertaking environment-related activities in their efforts to organize,
educate and motivate the people in addressing pertinent environmental issues and
problems at the local and national levels.
Rule 2. Interpretation of the Declaration of Policy. The policy statements in Section 2

of the CWA shall be interpreted collectively, and all regulations issued pursuant
to the CWA and decisions over disputes in specific cases shall be implemented or
made with due consideration of this policy. Issues and cases shall be resolved in
a fair and objective manner. The CWA and these rules shall be construed
liberally in favor of protecting the quality of water resources and public health.
SFX. 3. Coverage of the Act. - This Act shall apply to water quality management in all
water bodies: Provided, That it shall primarily apply to the abatement and control of
pollution from land based sources: Provided, further, That the water quality standards and
regulations and the civil liability and penal provisions under this Act shall be enforced
irrespective of sources of pollution.
Rule 3. Applicability of the CWA to marine pollution and disposal of effluents on land
3.1 Applicability of standards. In addition to regulating pollution of water
bodies, the Department shall formulate and apply standards for the transport
and disposal of effluent, sewage and septage offsite, whether offshore or on
land as well as disposal of industrial wastewater on land. The DA shall
develop guidelines for re-use of wastewater for irrigation purposes or as soil
conditioner or fertilizer, provided that the discharge of effluents on land shall
comply with conditions provided under Rule 14.6 herein.
3.2 Penalties. The penalties under Sec. 28 of the CWA shall apply to offenses
committed under the Marine Pollution Decree (P.D. No. 979, as amended)
and administrative penalties for aquatic pollution, without prejudice to
criminal sanctions under the Fisheries Code.
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Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 fR.4 No. 9275) Page 2 of 50
3.3 Enforcement. The Department shall coordinate with the Philippine Coast
Guard with respect to the enforcement of standards and regulations in
offshore areas including the discharge of wastewater by ships.
Article 2
Definition of Terms
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
a) Aquifer - means a layer of water-bearing rock located underground that transmits

water in sufficient quantity to supply pumping wells or natural springs.
b) Aquatic life - means all organisms living in freshwater, brackish and marine
environments.
c) Beneficial use - means the use of the environment or any element or segment thereof
conducive to public or private welfare, safety and health; and shall include, but not
be limited to, the use of water for domestic, municipal, irrigation, power generation,
fisheries, livestock raising, industrial, recreational and other purposes.
1. Use of water for domestic purposes - means the utilization of water for
drinking, washing, bathing, cooking or other household needs, home
gardens and watering of lawns or domestic animals;
2. Use of water for municipal purposes - means the utilization of water for
supplying water requirements of the community;
3. Use of water for irrigation - means the utilization of water for producing
agricultural crops;
4. Use of water for power generation - means the utilization of water for
producing electrical or mechanical power;
5. Use of water for fisheries - means the utilization of water for the
propagation of culture of fish as a commercial enterprise;
6. Use of water for livestock raising - means the utilization of water for large
herds or flocks of animals raised as a commercial enterprise;
7. Use of water for industrial purposes - means the utilization of water in
factories, industrial plants and mines, including the use of water as an
ingredient of a finished product; and
8. Use of water for recreational purposes - means the utilization of water for
swimming pools, bath houses, boating, water skiing, golf courses and other
similar facilities in resorts and other places of recreation.
d) Classification/Reclassification of Philippine Waters - means the categorization of all
water bodies taking into account, among others, the following: (1) existing quality of
the body of water; (2) size, depth, surface area covered, volume, direction, rate of
flow and gradient of stream; (3) most beneficial existing and future use of said
bodies of water and lands bordering them, such as for residential, agricultural,
aquacultural, commercial, industrial, navigational, recreational, > wildlife
conservation and aesthetic purposes; and (4) vulnerability of surface and
groundwater to contamination from pollutive and hazardous wastes, agricultural
chemicals and underground storage tanks of petroleum products.
e) Civil Society - means non-government organizations (NGOs) and people's
organizations (POs).
f) Cleaner production - means the application of an integrated, preventive
environmental strategy to processes, products, services to increase efficiency and
reduce risks to humans and the environment;
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Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page. 3 of 50
g) Clean-up operations -
means activities involving the removal of pollutants
discharged or spilled into a water body and its surrounding areas, and the
restoration of the affected areas to their former physical, chemical and biological
state or conditions.
h) Contamination - means the introduction of substances not found in the natural
composition of water that make the water less desirable or unfit for intended use.
i) Department - means the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
j) Discharge includes, but is not limited to, the act of spilling, leaking, pumping,
pouring, emitting, emptying, releasing or dumping of any material into a water
body or onto land from which it might flow or drain into said water.
k) Drinking water - means water intended for human consumption or for use in food
preparation.
I) Dumping - means any unauthorized or illegal disposal into any body of water or
land of wastes or toxic or hazardous material: Provided, That it does not mean a
release of effluent coming from commercial, industrial, and domestic sources which
are within the effluent standards.
m) Effluent - means discharges from known source which is passed into a body of water
or land, or wastewater flowing out of a manufacturing plant, industrial plant
including domestic, commercial and recreational facilities.
n) Effluent standard - means any legal restriction or limitation on quantities, rates,
and/or concentrations or any combination thereof, of physical, chemical or
biological parameters of effluent which a person or point source is allowed to
discharge into a body of water or land.
o) Environmental management - means the entire system which includes, but is not
limited to, conservation, regulation and minimization of pollution, clean production,
waste management, environmental law and policy, environmental education and
information, study and mitigation of tbe environmental impacts of human activity,
and environmental research.
p) Environmental management system - means the part of the overall management
system that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities,
practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing,
achieving, reviewing and maintaining the environmental policy.
q) Freshwater - means water containing less than 500 ppm dissolved common salt,
sodium chloride, such as that in groundwater, rivers, ponds and lakes.
r) Groundwater - means a subsurface water that occurs beneath a water table in soils
and rocks, or in geological formations.
s) Groundwater vulnerability - means relative ease with which a contaminant located
at or near the land surface can migrate to the aquifer or deep well.
t) Groundwater vulnerability map - means the identified areas of the land surface
where groundwater quality is most at risk from human activities and shall reflect
the different degrees of groundwater vulnerability based on a range of soil
properties and hydrogeological criteria to serve as guide in the protection of the
groundwater from contamination.
u) Hazardous waste - means any waste or combination of wastes of solid, liquid,
contained gaseous, or semi-solid form which cause, or contribute to, an increase in
mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness,
taking into account toxicity of such waste, its persistence and degradability in
nature, its potential for accumulation or concentration in tissue, and other factors
that may otherwise cause or contribute to adverse acute or chronic effects on the
health of persons or organism.
OE*t"
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Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 4 of 50
v) Industrial waste - means any solid, semi-solid or liquid waste material with no
commercial value released by a manufacturing or processing plant other than
excluded material.
w) Integrated Water Quality Management Framework - means the policy guideline
integrating all the existing frameworks prepared by all government agencies on
water quality involving pollution from all sources. Specifically, the framework shall
contain the following: (a) water quality goals and targets; (b) period of compliance;
(c) water pollution control strategies and techniques; (d) water quality information
and education program; (e) human resources development program.
x) Margin - means a landward and outer limiting edge adjacent to the border of any
water bodies or a limit beyond where saturation zone ceases to exist.
-
y) National Water Quality Status Report means a report to be prepared by the
Department indicating: (a) the location of water bodies, their water quality, taking
into account seasonal, tidal and other variations, existing and potential uses and
sources of pollution per specific pollutant and pollution load assessment; (b) water
quality management areas pursuant to Section 5 of this Act; and (c) water
classification.
-
z) Non-point source means any source of pollution not identifiable as point source to
include, but not be limited to, runoff from irrigation or rainwater which picks up
pollutants from farms and urban areas.
aa) Point source - means any identifiable source of pollution with specific point of
discharge into a particular water body.
bb) Pollutant - shall refer to any substance, whether solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive,
which directly or indirectly:
(i) alters the quality of any segment of the receiving water body so as to
affect or tend to affect adversely any beneficial use thereof;
(ii) is hazardous or potentially hazardous to health;
(iii) imparts objectionable odor, temperature change, or physical, chemical
or biological change to any segment of the water body; or
(iv) is in excess of the allowable limits or concentrations or quality
standards specified, or in contravention of the condition, limitation or
restriction prescribed in this Act.
cc) Pollution control technology -
means pollution control devices or apparatus,
processes, or other means that effectively prevent, control or reduce pollution of
water caused by effluents and other discharges, from any point source at levels
within the water pollution standards.
-
dd) Potentially infectious medical waste includes isolation wastes, infectious agents,
human blood and blood products, pathological wastes, sharps, body parts,
contaminated bedding, surgical wastes, and other disposable medical equipment
and material that may pose a risk to the public health, welfare or the marine
environment.
ee) Secretary - means the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
ff) Septage - means the sludge produced on individual onsite wastewater-disposal
systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools.
gg) Sewage - means water-borne human or animal wastes, excluding oil or oil wastes,
removed from residences, buildings, institutions, industrial and commercial
establishments together with such groundwater, surface water and storm water as
maybe present including such waste from vessels, offshore structures, other
receptacles intended to receive or retain wastes, or other places or the combination
thereof.
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Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (R.4 No. 9275) Page 5 of 50
hh) Sewerage - includes, but is not limited to, any system or network of pipelines,
ditches, channels, or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force
mains, service connections including other constructions, devices, and appliances
appurtenant thereto, which involves the collection, transport, pumping and
treatment of sewage to a point of disposal.
-
ii) Sludge means any solid, semi-solid or liquid waste or residue generated from a
wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or water control
pollution facility, or any other such waste having similar characteristics and effects.
-
jj) Surface water means all water which is open to the atmosphere and subject to
surface runoff.
kk) T reatment - means any method, technique, or process designed to alter the physical,
chemical or biological and radiological character or composition of any waste or
wastewater to reduce or prevent pollution.
-
11) Toxic amount means the lowest amount of concentration of toxic pollutants which
may cause chronic or long-term acute or lethal conditions or effects to the aquatic
life or health of persons or which may adversely affect designated water uses.
mm) Waste - means any material either solid, liquid, semisolid, contained gas or other
forms resulting from industrial, commercial, mining or agricultural operations, or
from community and household activities that is devoid of usage and discarded.
-
nn) Wastewater means waste in liquid state containing pollutants.
-
oo) Water body means both natural and man-made bodies of fresh, brackish, and
saline waters, and includes, but is not limited to, aquifers, groundwater, springs,
creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, lagoons, water reservoirs, lakes, bays, estuarine,
coastal and marine waters. Water bodies do not refer to those constructed,
developed and used purposely as water treatment facilities and/or water storage for
recycling and re-use which are integral to process industry or manufacturing.
pp) Water pollution - means any alteration of the physical, chemical or biological or
radiological properties of a water body resulting in the impairment of its purity or
quality.
qq) Water quality - means the characteristics of water which define its use in terms of
physical, chemical, biological, bacteriological or radiological characteristics by
which the acceptability of water is evaluated.
rr) Water quality guidelines - means the level for a water constituent or numerical
values of physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological or radiological
parameters which are used to classify water resources and their use, which does not
result in significant health risk and which are not intended for direct enforcement
but only for water quality management purposes, such as determining time trends,
evaluating stages of deterioration or enhancement of the water quality, and as basis
for taking positive action in preventing, controlling or abating water pollution.
ss) Water Quality Management Area Action Plan - includes, but not be limited to, the
following: (a) goals and targets including sewerage or septage program; (b)
schedule of compliance to meet the applicable requirements of this Act; (c) water
pollution control strategies or techniques; (d) water quality information and
education program; (e) resource requirement and possible sources; (f) enforcement
procedures of the plan; and (g) rewards and incentives under Chapter 4 of this Act.
Rule 4, Additional terms used;
4.1 Authorized inspection - means inspection, whether announced or

unannounced, conducted at any time by the multi-partite monitoring teams in
relation to their function, or by a Department inspector where the inspector
**00-00227;,,..
presents a valid Department inspector's identification duly signed by the
Secretary, EMB Director or EMB Regional Director to enter and inspect a
pollution source. Inspections of effluents discharged outside the facility may
be conducted at any time.
4.2 Bureau - refers to the Environmental Management Bureau of DENR.
4.3 Commercial Wastewater - means all the wastewater generated by trading or
business establishment and/or any other related firms or companies, which
include but not limited to restaurants, shopping malls, commercial
laboratories, hospitals, markets, commercial condominiums, hotels, gasoline
stations, and other establishments.
4.4 Ecological Sanitation or ECOSAN is an approach with the objective of
-
closing the nutrient loop between sanitation and agriculture. It includes all of
the following ecological principles: (1) conscious conservation of resources;
(2) recycling and reuse; (3) minimization of energy and water use;(4)
pollution prevention; and, (5) rendering the recyclables (human and animal
excreta and grey water) safe for reuse.
4.5 Effluent quota - refers to the maximum allowable pollution load that an
establishment can discharge without affecting the present state or condition
of the water body.
4.6 Household Domestic Wastewater - means the waste water discharges
generated from household (single-residential structures) dwelling units
specifically from toilets, kitchens, washing areas and other similar sanitary
conveniences or facilities.
4.7 Industrial Wastewater - means all the wastewaters from any producing,
manufacturing, processing, trade or business or any other
operations/activities from industrial establishments.
4.8 Land Application ~ refers to the incorporation and/or application of effluent
through available conventional irrigation methods for the distribution of
material(s) into the land surface for the purpose of pollutant removal,
assimilation and utilization.
4.9 Loading Limit - refers to the allowable pollutant loading limit per unit of
time which the discharger is permitted to discharge into any receiving body
of water or land resources.
4.10 , Loading Limit Compliance - refers to the establishment or industry
performances and practices in complying the stipulated allowable pollutant
loading and other permit conditions for waste water discharge.
4.11 New sources of pollution - includes existing sources that have expanded
or modified their production processes resulting in an increase in pollution
load.
4.12 Pre-Treatment Standards standards issued by the Bureau, upon
-
recommendation of the WTP operator/water district or concessionaire, for

treatment of wastewater prior to discharge into the sewerage system operated
by the concerned WTP operator/water district or concessionaire.
4.13 Rural Areas - areas outside of component and highly urbanized cities as
defined under the local government code.
4.14 Sanitation facilities - refers to on-site facilities such as toilets and septic
tanks for safe disposal of human waste.
4.15 Specific point of discharge - refers to any discharges coming from a
discernible, confined and discrete conveyance, including but not limited to
any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container,
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Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 7R.4 No. 9275) Page 7 of 50
rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel or other
floating craft.
4.16 Total pollution toad - refers to the summation of the pollution load from
all point and non-point sources, including natural sources.
CHAPTER 2
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Article 1
General Provisions
SEC. 5. Water Quality Management Area. - The Department, in coordination with

National Water Resources Board (NWRB), shall designate certain areas as water quality
management areas using appropriate physiographic units such as watershed, river basins
or water resources regions. Said management areas shall have similar hydrological,
hydrogeological, meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the physicochemical,
biological and bacteriological reactions and diffusions of pollutants in the water bodies, or
otherwise share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects, or
problems.
Said management area shall be governed by a governing board composed of

representatives of mayors and governors of member LGUs, and representatives of relevant
national government agencies, duly registered nongovernmental organization, water utility
sector, and business sector. The Department representative shall chair the governing
board. In the case of the LGUs with memberships on more than one (1) management
board, the LGU shall designate only one (1) single representative for all the management
areas where it is a member.
The governing board shall formulate strategies to coordinate policies necessary for
the effective implementation of this Act in accordance with those established in the
framework and monitor the compliance with the action plan.
Each management area shall create a multi-sectoral group to establish and effect
water quality surveillance and monitoring network including sampling schedules and other
similar activities. The group shall submit its report and recommendation to the chairman of
the governing board.
A technical secretariat for each management area is hereby created which shall be
part of the Department and shall provide technical support to the governing board. They
shall be composed of at least four (4) members who shall have the following minimum
qualifications:
a) One (1) member shall be a member of the Philippine Bar;

b) One (1) member shall be a Chemical Engineer, Chemist, Sanitary Engineer,
Environmental Engineer or Ecologist or have significant training and experience in
chemistry;
c) One (1) member shall be a Civil Engineer or Hydrologist or have significant
training and experience in closely related fields and mainly experience on ground
water, respectively; and
d) One (1) member shall be a Geologist or Biologist or have significant training and
experience in closely related fields.
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No 9275) Page 8 oj 50
ill
The areas within the jurisdiction of the Laguna Lake Development Authority
(LLDA) shall be designated as one management area under the administration of LLDA in
accordance with R.A. No. 4850, as amended: Provided, however, That the standards
promulgated pursuant to this Act and wastewater charge system established pursuant
hereof shall be enforced in said area.
Rule 5. Designation and Management of Water Quality Management Areas (WQMA)
5. 1Procedurefor designation of WQMA ;
5,1.1 Initiating the process of designation. The Regional Offices of the

Department shall initiate the process of designation by evaluating
information using the criteria to be developed by the Department.
However, any concerned government agency, including local
government units, Protected Area Management Boards, watershed
councils. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils,
government corporations with relevant concerns, or civil society, may
propose the designation of a WQMA in their area to the Department
and submit the relevant information. The concerned agency or
organization shall follow the general procedure for designation
outlined herein and coordinate with the Department throughout the
process of consultations and data gathering.
5.1.2 Other considerations for designation. The Department shall also

consider practical manageable size, integrated development or
management plans, inter-LGU working relationships and existence of
similar management areas or bodies in the designation of the WQMA.
5.1.3 Requirementsfor the proposal. The proposal for WQMA designation

shall include a map of the area, technical description/justification, and
management rationale including major threats to water quality.
5.1.4 Role of NWRB. The NWRB shall provide relevant technical data
necessary for determining the appropriate boundaries of the WQMA.
The NWRB shall work closely with the Department in the
determination of such boundaries.
5.1.5 Convening of key stakeholders. The Regional Office of DENR shall

inform and consult the Regional Development Council, LGUs, NGOs.
water utilities and business sectors as well as Protected Areas
Management Boards, watershed councils. Fisheries And Aquatic
Resources Management Councils or government corporations with
relevant concerns, where appropriate and relevant to a proposed
WQMA, before the formal designation of the WQMA.
5.1.6 Public Consultations. The Department shall disseminate the proposal

for WQMA designation in the proposed area and conduct public
consultations after due notice. Consultations shall also cover areas
contiguous to the proposed WQMA.
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 <RA No. 9275) Page 9 of 50
5.1. 7 Designation by the Secretary The designation of the WQMA shall be
made by the Secretary upon recommendation of the Bureau, based on
the proposal, technical studies and consultations. In the first year of
implementation, the Secretary may designate WQMA based on
previously identified priority areas. Thereafter, these initial WQMA
may be subject to review and consultations for re-adjustment of
boundaries and representation in the governing board, if necessary.
5.2 Re-designation of WQMA. When necessary, and only after undertaking

necessary studies and conducting consultations with relevant local
government authorities, the Secretary of the Department, upon
recommendation of the Bureau, shall revise the designation of
WQMA, re-adjust its boundaries or reconstitute its membership for
adequate representation.
5.3 Membership in the Governing Board.
5.3.1 Appointment of Representatives. National agencies and local

government units shall appoint their permanent and alternate members
to the Board. The representative shall be able to make commitments. In
case a local government unit belongs to more than one WQMA, the
LGU shall designate the same representative for all the management
areas where it is a member. National agencies shall likewise designate
the same representatives to contiguous WQMA to ensure consistency
and complementation of policies and activities.
5.3.2 Non-government Members. Within six (6) months from the

designation of a particular WQMA, representative(s) from civil
society, water utility and private business sectors in the WQMA or
with recognized interests in the area shall be chosen from among
themselves through sectoral assemblies convened for the purpose.
Such assemblies shall be open to all accredited civil society or private
business organizations in the proposed area. The Secretary may
provide for several members from each non-government sector to
ensure that significant sub-sectors are represented, depending on the
size of the WQMA and complexity of the problems or issues faced.
Each sub-sector shall choose their representative.
5.3.3 Terms of Membership. Members representing national government

agencies shall serve permanently unless replaced by their appointing
authority. Elected officials of local government units shall serve for
such time as may be permitted by their terms of office, while their
representatives shall serve for as long as they are authorized by the
local government unit. Non-government members shall serve for a
maximum of three (3) years, unless re-nominated. The representatives
of the water utility sector shall serve for as long as they are authorized
by the agency. When a representative from the civil society or business
sector is incapacitated or resigns, the sector or sub-sector represented
shall nominate a new representative who shall serve a full term.
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5.3.4 Compensation and expenses. Members shall serve without
compensation, except for actual and necessary expenses (i.e. travel)
incurred in the performance of their duty, which shall be charged to the
operational budget of the WQMA.
5.3.5 Chair of the Governing Board. The Secretary shall designate the
Deputy representative as Chair of the Governing Board. However, the
governing boards may choose a co-chair or alternate chair from among
the member local chief executives to preside over regular meetings.
5.3.6 Meetings. The Governing Board shall meet quarterly or more often,
as provided in the Governing Rules.
5.4 Functions of the Board. Each Governing Board shall perform the following
functions within its jurisdiction:
5.4.1 Prepare and publish on a regular basis a Water Quality Status
5.4.2 Report for the WQMA and submit a copy to the Department for
consolidation into the National Water Quality Status Report;
5.4.3 Formulate strategies to coordinate policies/regulations/local
legislation necessary for the effective implementation of this Act
in accordance with those established in the Framework;
5.4.4 Review the initial WQMA Action Plan prepared by the Department
and draft a common and integrated compliance plan. Thereafter,
prepare a draft Action Plan for succeeding periods for submission to
the Department;
5.4.5 Monitor and facilitate the compliance of local governments with the
WQMA Action Plan;
5.4.6 Coordinate relevant activities among its members and member
agencies and facilitate resolution of conflicts; and
5.4.7 Undertake complementary interventions for non-point sources,
considering their greater contribution to pollution.
5.5 Governing Rules. Governing Rules shall be issued by the individual

Governing Boards. These governing rules shall be submitted to the
Department, through the Regional Office, for comment to advise the
Governing Board of possible conflict in policies and laws of national
application.
5.6 Technical Working Groups. Technical working groups may be formed

by the Governing Board to ensure broad-based participation in the work
of the Governing Board. The Board shall identify the members of the
TWG.
5.7 Multi-sectoral group. The Governing Rules shall provide for the
creation and operation of a multi-sectoral group for water quality
monitoring and surveillance. The Board shall ensure that the operations
of the group do not unnecessarily duplicate the regular monitoring
functions of government agencies and local governments. Inspections
conducted by the multi-sectoral group shall be duly authorized by the
chairman or co-chairman. Members of the inspection team must be
adequately trained and formally deputized.
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Technical Secretariat. The technical secretariat of the WQMA shall be
based in the Regional Office of the Department. The Department may
designate the same qualified personnel to serve in the secretariat of
contiguous WQMA.
5.9 Funding for Activities. An amount of not more than ten percent (10%)
of the total amount accruing to the Area Water Quality Management
Fund annually shall be allocated for the operational expenses of the
governing board, its secretariat and multi-sectoral water quality
surveillance and monitoring network.
5.10 LLDA as WQMA. The LLDA governing board shall consist of the
members of the LLDA board of directors and representatives from the
sectors provided in Sec. 5 of the CWA. The jurisdiction, powers and
functions of the governing board of the LLDA-WQMA shall be limited
by the CWA, without prejudice to the powers and functions of the board
of directors under R.A. 4850, as amended.
SEC. 6. Management of Non-attainment Areas. - The Department shall designate water

bodies, or portions thereof, where specific pollutants from either natural or man-made
source have already exceeded water quality guidelines as non-attainment areas for the
exceeded pollutants. It shall prepare and implement a program that will not allow new
sources of exceeded water pollutant in non-attainment areas without a corresponding
reduction in discharges from existing sources: Provided, That if the pollutant is naturally
occurring, e.g. naturally high boron and other elements in geothermal areas, discharge of
such pollutant may be allowed: Provided, further, That the effluent concentration of
discharge shall not exceed the naturally occurring level of such pollutant in the area:
Provided, finally, That the effluent concentration and volume of discharge shall not
adversely affect water supply, public health and ecological protection. The Department
shall, in coordination with NWRB, Department of Health (DOH), Department of
Agriculture (DA), governing board and other concerned government agencies and private
sectors shall take such measures as may be necessary to upgrade the quality of such water
in non-attainment areas to meet the standards under which it has been classified.
Upgrading of water quality shall likewise include undertakings which shall improve
the water quality of a water body to a classification that will meet its projected or potential
use.
The LGUs shall prepare and implement contingency plans and other measures
including relocation, whenever necessary, for the protection of health and welfare of the
residents within potentially affected areas.
Rule 6. Non-AttainmentAreas.
6.1 General
6.1.1 Designation of Non-Attainment Areas. Within six (6) months ffom

the effectivity of this 1RR, the Department, in coordination with the
local governments concerned, shall designate and delineate as non-
attainment areas water bodies or portions thereof where specific
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 12 oj 50
pollutants from either natural or man-made sources have already
exceeded water quality guidelines issued pursuant to this Act.
6.1.2 Review of Area Designation The Department shall revise and/or

retain non-attainment area designations as additional data becomes
available, Results from reviews of area designations will be made
available for public comment/review.
6.1.3 Upgrading of Water Quality. The Department shall, within six (6)
months from the designation of non-attainment areas, and in
coordination with the NWRB, Department of Health (DOH),
Department of Agriculture (DA), Governing Board and other
concerned government agencies and private sectors, design and
implement a plan specifically aimed to upgrade the water quality of
water bodies designated as non-attainment areas to meet the
guidelines under which they have been classified and to improve
their classification to a level that meet their projected or potential
use. The plan may include more stringent effluent standards that
shall be applicable only to the non-attainment area.
6.1.4 Contingency Plan.. The Department shall provide technical

assistance to LGUs in the preparation and implementation of
contingency plans and other measures necessary for the protection of
health and welfare of the residents within areas potentially affected
by the water quality of water bodies designated as non-attainment
areas.
6.2 Existing Pollution Sources In Non-Attainment Areas
6.2.1 Identification of existing sources. The Bureau shall identify, as part

of the plan to upgrade water quality, existing sources of water
pollutants in designated non-attainment areas, including pollutants
that are naturally occurring in the area.
6.2.2 Non-compliance. Pollution sources that are not in compliance with

the effluent standards for the non-attainment area shall be subject to
strict monitoring, without prejudice to the penalties and
administrative remedies provided herein.
6.2.3 Naturally Occurring Pollutants. In areas where the concentration of

specific naturally occurring pollutants is higher than the relevant
water quality guideline, the discharge of such specific pollutant by
existing point sources may be allowed only if the resultant total
pollution load shall not adversely affect water supply, public health
and ecological protection.
6.3 New Sources of Water Pollutants in Non-Attainment Areas
6.3.1 Limitation on new sources. No new sources of pollution for the

specific pollutants for which the area is designated as non-attainment
shall be allowed, unless there is a corresponding reduction in
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 'RA No. 9275) Page 13 of 50
?MOD-00?27S.
discharges from existing sources and the total pollution load from all
sources including the new source will not exceed the targets in the
plan to upgrade of water quality as required by law and Rule 6.1.3.
6.3.2 Lowest Achievable Effluent Rate. New sources shall install and
operate water pollution control technology that will provide the
lowest achievable effluent rate (LAER) of the pollutant for which the
area is designated non-attainment. The affected firm shall propose
technologies it believes will meet the intent of this regulation. The
Bureau shall approve the use of lowest achievable effluent rate control
technologies.
6.3.3 Effluent Averaging and Effluent Trading. New sources subject to

the non-attainment provisions may not use effluent trading or effluent
averaging for compliance purposes.
SEC. 7. National Sewerage and Septage Management Program. - The Department of

Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through its relevant attached agencies, in
coordination with the Department, local government units (LGUs) and other concerned
agencies, shall, as soon as possible, but in no case exceeding a period of twelve (12) months
from the effectivity of this Act, prepare a national program on sewerage and septage
management in connection with Section 8 hereof.
Such program shall include a priority listing of sewerage, septage and combined
sewerage-septage projects for LGUs based on population density and growth, degradation
of water resources, topography, geology, vegetation, programs/projects for the
rehabilitation of existing facilities and such other factors that the Secretary may deem
relevant to the protection of water quality. On the basis of such national listing, the
national government may allot, on an annual basis, funds for the construction and
rehabilitation of required facilities.
Each LGU shall appropriate the necessary land, including the required rights-of-
way/road access to the land for the construction of the sewage and/or septage treatment
facilities.
Each LGU may raise funds to subsidize necessary expenses for the operation and
maintenance of sewerage treatment or septage facility servicing in their area of jurisdiction
through local property taxes and enforcement of a service fee system.
Rule 7. National Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP). The DPWH
shall, within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of the CWA, prepare a National
Sewerage and Septage Management Program. The NSSMP shall be a framework plan
which will be formulated to address various national issues on sanitation and treatment
and disposal of wastewater, focusing on, among others, objectives, strategies, targets,
institutional mechanism, financing mechanism, technology implementation,
programming, monitoring and evaluation and other key national concerns. The program
shall also include guidelines on sludge management for companies engaged in desludging
operations.
'MOO-00227J..
7. 1 Involvement of other Agencies.
7.1.1 Role of the DENR. The Department shall coordinate with DPWH
and LGUs in complying with Sec. 7 of the CWA, contributing
specific environmental criteria and data for the prioritization of
sanitation, sewerage, septage management and combination of
different systems and projects. It shall likewise present to LGUs,
water concessionaires, water districts and other water utilities
sustainable options such as community-based natural treatment
systems, ecological sanitation concepts, water recycling and
conservation systems and other low-cost innovative means to
manage sewage and septage as a complement to other sewerage and
sanitation programs.
7.1.2 Roles and responsibilities of other agencies. The DOH shall provide
specific health criteria and data; the MWSS and LWUA shall
contribute inputs relative to the responsibilities of concessionaires and
water districts in sewerage, septage and sanitation management; the
IEC program shall be developed through the assistance of the Dep.
Ed, CHED and PIA. The League of Municipalities/Cities/Provinces
shall contribute specific inputs reflecting the interests of LGUs. The
LWUA and water districts may also submit to DPWH a listing of
sewerage, septage and combined sewerage-septage projects for LGUs.
7.2 Role of LGUs. Each LGU, through the enactment of an ordinance, shall
appropriate the necessary land including the required rights-of-way/road
access to the land for the construction of the sewage and/or septage
treatment facilities in accordance with the Local Government Code. It
may enact ordinances adjusting local property taxes or imposing a
service fee system to meet necessary expenses for the operation and
maintenance of sewerage treatment or septage management facility
servicing their area of jurisdiction. The LGUs shall submit to DPWH a
priority listing of their projects based on realistic assessment of
resources, including proposals for counterpart contributions. Such
counterpart proposals shall be considered by the DPWH in prioritizing
projects for implementation.
7.3 Exemptionsfrom wastewater charges andliabilities. LGUs undertaking

or about to undertake pilot ecological sanitation (ECOSAN)
technologies and other sanitation technologies shall be exempt from
wastewater charges or other liabilities for seven years from effectivity of
the Act and shall be assisted by DENR in securing any necessary
permits. Provided, that effluents from such pilot-testing activities shall
meet effluent standards.
7.4 Provision of Lands and of Rights-of-Way by LGUs. Each LGU,

through the enactment of an ordinance, shall appropriate the necessary
land including the required rights-of-way/road access to the land for the
construction of the sewage and/or septage treatment facilities in
accordance with the Local Government Code.
»MD0-O02?75(
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 fRA No. 92 75) Page 15 of 50
7.5 Funding for the Operation and Maintenance of Sewerage Treatment
and Septage Facilities. Each LGU may enact ordinances adjusting local
property taxes or imposing a service fee system to meet necessary
expenses for the operation and maintenance of sewerage treatment or
septage management facility servicing their area of jurisdiction.
SEC. 8. Domestic Sewage Collection, Treatment and Disposal. - Within five (5) years
following the effectivity of this Act, the agency vested to provide water supply and sewerage
facilities and/or concessionaires in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities (HUCs)
as defined in Republic Act No. 7160, in coordination with LGUs, shall be required to
connect the existing sewage line found in all subdivisions, condominiums, commercial
centers, hotels, sports and recreational facilities, hospitals, market places, public buildings,
industrial complex and other similar establishments including households to available
sewerage system: Provided, That the said connection shall be subject to sewerage services
charge/fees in accordance with existing laws, rules or regulations unless the sources had
already utilized their own sewerage system: Provided, further, That all sources of sewage
and septage shall comply with the requirements herein.
In areas not considered as HUCs, DPWH in coordination with the Department,

DOH and other concerned agencies, shall employ septage or combined sewerage-septage
management system.
For the purpose of this section, DOH, in coordination with other government
agencies, shall formulate guidelines and standards for the collection, treatment and disposal
of sewage including guidelines for the establishment and operation of centralized sewage
treatment system.
Rule 8. Domestic sewage management.
8.1 Sewerage and Sanitation Projects. All projects/activities involving the

collection, transport, treatment and disposal of sewage shall be in
accordance with the guidelines on sanitation set by DOH. In case
sewage, septage, or sludge is collected, transported, treated and disposed
by a third party, the final disposal of the treated sewage, septage or
sludge shall comply with the relevant standards issued by DOH.
Provided, that reuse of treated sludge for agricultural purposes shall
comply with the standards set by DENR and DA.
8.2 Pre-treatment Standards. For effluents that go through sewerage

treatment systems, the Department may impose either Pre-treatment
Standards for Existing Sources (PSES) and/ or Pre-treatment Standards
for New Sources (PSNS), upon the recommendation of the operators of
sewerage system/ wastewater treatment facilities. Separate standards for
combination of different systems effluent should be set by the
Department. Provided, that all sources of domestic wastewater including
industries, except households, shall abide by the standards set pursuant to
this Rule. The DPWH and DENR shall inform LGU building officials of
the requirements in the CWA pertinent to issuing building permits,
sewerage regulations, municipal and city planning. In the absence of pre-
treatment standards, the operators of sewerage system/ wastewater
)
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 <RA Mo. 9275) Page 16 of 50 RMOO-O0777b?
treatment facilities may require, by contract, effluent sources to meet
standards for wastewater discharged into or treated by their facilities.
8.3 Mandatory Connection to Existing Sewerage Lines. The DPWH shall

coordinate with the water service providers and concessionaires in Metro
Manila and other HUCs in preparing a compliance plan for mandatory
connection of the identified establishments and households to the
existing sewerage system. Mandatory connection under this Rule shall
take into consideration the capacity of the sewerage system to
accommodate the total wastewater load. Provided, that in areas where
sewerage lines are not yet available upon the effectivity of this IRR, all
sources of pollution shall connect to sewerage lines once said lines are
made available by the agency concerned. Water concessionaires shall
ensure compliance with effluent standards formulated pursuant to the
Act. Provided finally, that for industries with domestic wastewater, a
one-year phase-in period is given to restructure the drainage system to
connect to existing wastewater treatment facility.
8.4 Role of MWSS and Water Concessionaires in Metro Manila. In case of

Metro Manila and other MWSS franchise areas being serviced by the
water concessionaires, sewerage facilities and sewage lines shall be
provided by water concessionaires in coordination with the LGUs in
accordance with their concession agreements. Prior to connection to the
main sewage line, secondary lines should already be in-place coming
from pre-treatment facilities or directly from sources.
8.5 Actions against Non-connection to Available Sewerage System.. The

Department shall withhold permits or refuse issuance of ECC for
establishments that fail to connect their sewage lines to available
sewerage system as required herein. Also, the Department shall request
the LGUs, water districts and other appropriate agencies, in writing, to
sanction persons who refuse connection of sewage lines to available
sewerage systems, including non-issuance of Environmental Sanitation
Clearance by DOH, in accordance with the Clean Water Act and other
existing laws. Provided, further, that the water district shall deprive the
property owner of any and all services provided by the water district
should the property owner persist in refusing to connect with the water
district's sewerage system pursuant to Sec. 29 of P.D. No. 198.
8.6 Role of Water Supply Utilities. In the case of HUCs, non-HUCs and
LGUs where water districts, water utilities and LGU water works have
already been constituted and operational, the water supply utility
provider shall be responsible for the sewerage facilities and the main
lines pursuant to P.D. No. 198 and other relevant laws. In areas where
there are no existing facilities, the LGUs, water districts or water utilities
may adopt septage management program or other sanitation alternatives.
*MDD-OC22?;(
8. 7 Areas without concessionaires or water districts. In the case of HUCs,
non-HUCs and LGUs where water districts and water corporations have
not yet been constituted and operational, the concerned LGU shall
employ septage management system or other sanitation programs.
SEC. 9. National Water Quality Management Fund. - A water quality management fund, to
be administered by the Department, in coordination with other concerned agencies, as a
special account in the National Treasury is hereby established. The fund shall be used to
finance the following:
a) Finance containment and clean-up operations of the government in water pollution

cases;
b) Guarantee restoration of ecosystems and rehabilitation of affected areas;
c) Support research, enforcement and monitoring activities;
d) Provide technical assistance to the implementing agencies;
e) Grant rewards and incentives;
f) Support information and educational campaign; and
g) Such other disbursements made solely for the prevention, control or abatement of
water pollution and management and administration of the management areas in
the amounts authorized by the Department.
The lines
imposed and damages awarded to the government by the Pollution
Adjudication Board (PAB), proceeds of permits issued by the Department under this Act,
donations, endowments and grants in the form of contributions to the national government
under this Act shall form part of the fund. Such donations, endowments and grants shall be
exempt from donor's taxes and all other taxes, charges or fees imposed by the government
and shall be deductible from the gross income of the donor for income tax purposes.
Disbursements from the fund shall be subject to the usual accounting and budgeting
rules and regulations.
Rule 9. National Water Quality Management Fund
9.1 Uses of the Fund. Consistent with Sec. 9 of the CWA, the NWQMF
may be used for activities of the Department that are in direct support of
objectives outlined in the National Water Quality Action Plan
(NWQAP). This can mean support, grant, and finance or otherwise assist
activities such as, but not limited to:
a) purchase of equipment related to water quality monitoring, reporting
or management; %
b) running costs for special campaigns, monitoring, enforcement or
public awareness raising;
c) costs for special events related to water quality monitoring,
enforcement etc. *
d) research on water-related issues; and,
e) for remediation and rehabilitation of the area damaged as a result of
violations; for this purpose the fine paid shall accrue to the area
where the violation was committed.
f) hiring of staff for research, enforcement and monitoring activities.
*MOD-002275C
9.2 Decision Making on the Use of the NWQMF. The Department through
the Bureau shall formulate a detailed set of criteria (project design,
management, reporting and accounting) for qualified or eligible projects
and activities to be supported by the NWQMF. The Department will ensure
the publication of an Annual Report, which specifies income and
expenditure of the NWQMF, together with a summary of initiatives
supported and refused. This Annual Report will be available within two (2)
months after the end of the fiscal year.
9.3 Accrual of Permit Fees. Permit fees collected under Section 14 of the
CWA shall accrue to the NWQMF.
SEC. 10. The Area Water Quality Management Fund. - The area water quality
management fund is hereby established for the maintenance and upkeep of the water bodies
in a water quality management area. The fund shall be utilized for the grant of rewards
and incentives for entities whose effluent discharges are better than the water quality
criteria of the target classification of the receiving body of water, loans for acquisitions and
repairs of facilities to reduce quantity and improve quality of wastewater discharges, and
regular maintenance of the water bodies within the management area.
An amount of not more than ten percent (10%) of the total amount accruing to the
funds annually shall be allocated for the operational expenses of the governing board, its
secretariat and multi-sectoral water quality surveillance and monitoring network.
This fund shall initially be sourced from the fines incurred by the establishments
located in rural areas before the effectivity of this Act. Thereafter, the fees collected under
the wastewater charge system established under Section 13 of this Act, donations,
endowments and grants for water quality management of the area shall accrue to the fund.
Disbursements from the fund shall be subject to the usual accounting and budgeting
rules and regulations. This fund shall be managed by the Board of the corresponding
management area.
Rule 10. Area Water Quality Management Fund
10.1 Area Water Quality Management Fund The Area Water Quality
Management Fund (AWQMF) for each Water Quality Management Area
shall be administered by each WQMA governing board for the
maintenance and upkeep of the water bodies in a water quality
management area.
10.2 Uses of AWQMF. The AWQMF will be used for activities of the
WQMA that are in direct support of objectives outlined in the National
Water Quality Action Plan (NWQAP) for the area. Consistent with Sec.
10 of the CWA, this can mean support, grant, and finance or otherwise
assist activities such as, but not limited to:
a) purchase of equipment related to water quality monitoring, reporting

or management;
b) costs for special campaigns, monitoring, enforcement or public
awareness raising;
c) costs for special events related to water quality monitoring,
enforcement etc.;
d) hiring of staff for the Technical Secretariat of the WQMA
e) operating costs of the Governing Board, its Technical Secretariat and
multi-sectoral water quality surveillance and monitoring network
which shall be an amount of not more than ten percent (10%) of the
total amount accruing to the AWQMF annually. Ninety percent
(90%) of the accruals shall be used for a) to d) above.
10.3 Custody of the Fund. Funds for the AWQMF shall be directly deposited
in a Special Account under the name of the WQMA with any
government depository bank in the area.
J0.4 Decision Making on the Use of the AWQMF. The governing board of
the WQMA shall formulate a detailed set of criteria (project design,
project management, project reporting and project accounting) of
qualified or eligible projects and activities to be supported by its
AWQMF.
10.5 Disbursement. Disbursements from the fund shall be allowed only for
activities/ projects identified in the WQMA action plan, and only after a
request for funding has been received and approved by the governing
board.
10.6 Annual report. Each governing board shall ensure the publication of an
annual report which specifies income and expenditure of the AWQMF,
together with a summary of initiatives supported and refused. This
annual report shall be available within two (2) months after the end of
the fiscal year.
10. 7 Interim measures. Prior to designation of WQMA, the PAB shall keep a
record of fines collected for eventual remittance to the appropriate
WQMA. The PAB shall retain the fines collected in a special account,
under authority of the CWA, in trust for the various WQMA yet to be
designated.
SEC. 11. Water Quality Variance for Geothermal and Oil and Gas Exploration. - The
Department may provide variance in water quality criteria and standards for geothermal
exploration that encounters reinjection constraints: Provided, That there shall be provision
for adequate protection of beneficial use of water bodies downstream of the geothermal
project: Provided, further, That this provision may be applied to oil and gas exploration as
determined by the Department
Rule 11. Water Quality Variance for Geothermal and Oil and Gas Exploration. The
Department, in consultation with the Department of Energy and other concerned
agencies, shall formulate water quality criteria and standards specifically for
geothermal exploration that encounters re-injection constraints, that provides
adequate protection to other users of water bodies downstream of the geothermal
project. Provided, further, that the Department may formulate analogous water
quality criteria and standards for oil and gas exploration.
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 7RA No. 9275) Page 20 of 50
SEC. 12. Categories of Industry Sector. - Within twenty-four (24) months from the
effectivity of this Act, and every two (2) years thereafter, the Department shall, through due
public consultation, revise and publish a list of categories of industry sector for which
effluent standards will be provided for each significant wastewater parameter per industry
sector.
The Department shall provide additional classification based on other parameters

specifically associated to discharge of a particular industry which shall be included in the
listing of categories prescribed in the preceding paragraph.
Rule 12. Categories of Industry Sector. Within twenty-four (24) months from the
effectivity of the Act, the Department, after public consultation, shall revise and
publish a list of categories of industry sectors. The list shall provide additional
categories or sub-categories based on other parameters specifically associated
with the pollution discharge of a particular industry. The Department may treat
micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) as a separate industry
category for purposes of setting effluent standards and imposition of fees. Said
listing shall be reviewed, revised and published every 2 years thereafter.
12.1 Effluent Standard per Industry Sector. Effluent standards per industry
sector are industry-specific, technology-based standards that limit the
amount of industrial wastewater pollutants being discharged into waters
either directly to surface waters or indirectly through existing sewerage
and treatment systems or those to be established under this law. Although
the guidelines are developed based upon particular technologies, these
rules will not require that dischargers use the technologies on which the
standards were based. Individual facilities may meet the requirements
using whatever combination of treatment technologies and process
changes they choose.
12.2 Means to Determine Effluent standards. The Bureau shall plan for the
collection and analysis of information pertaining to wastewater
characteristics (e.g., pollutants discharged, wastewater flows),
wastewater treatment technologies (e.g., pollution prevention techniques,
in-process and end-of-pipe treatment systems), average volumes of
discharge, concentrations of industries in one area, discharges peculiar to
such industries and self-monitoring reports of similar facilities in the
industry to evaluate appropriate technology-based limitations and
standards in these priority industries. Consistent with equal protection,
the Bureau shall prepare a formal justification for industry-specific
standards for significant pollutants that are less stringent than the general
effluent standards. In no case shall industry standards endanger public
health or welfare. Provided, further that such standards shall not be
inconsistent with regulations in non-attainment areas set by the
Department or WQMA Governing Board. Provided finally that such
standards shall be calibrated based on the classification of the receiving
water body or specific land use restrictions of a specific land area, if any.
12.3 Monitoring of industries. Once established, the industry specific

regulations shall serve as a basis for all monitoring or self-monitoring
reports that shall be generated.
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 2 J of 50
Article 2
Water Pollution Permits and Charges
SEC. 13. Wastewater Charge System. - The Department shall implement a wastewater
charge system in all management areas including the Laguna Lake Region and Regional
Industrial Centers through the collection of wastewater charges/fees. The system shall be
established on the basis of payment to the government for discharging wastewater into the
water bodies. Wastewater charges shall be established taking into consideration the
following:
(a) To provide strong economic inducement for polluters to modify their

production or management processes or to invest in pollution control
technology in order to reduce the amount of water pollutants generated;
(b) To cover the cost of administering water quality management or
improvement programs;
(c) Reflect damages caused by water pollution on the surrounding
environment, including the cost of rehabilitation;
(d) Type of pollutant;
(e) Classification of the receiving water body; and
(f) Other special attributes of the water body.
The fee shall be based on the net waste load depending on the wastewater charge
formula which shall be established with due public consultation within six (6) months from
the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That net waste load shall refer to the difference of the
initial waste load of the abstracted water and the waste load of the final effluent discharge
of an industry: Provided, further, That no net waste load shall be lower than the initial
waste load: Provided, finally, That wastewater charge system shall not apply to wastewater
from geothermal exploration.
Industries whose water effluent are within standards promulgated pursuant to this
Act, shall only be charged with minimal reasonable amount which shall be determined by
the Department after due public consultation, giving account to volumetric rate of
discharge and the effluent concentration.
Rule 13. Wastewater Charge System. A wastewater charge system is hereby

implemented in all areas including non-attainment areas, the Laguna Lake
Region and Regional Industrial Centers through the collection of wastewater
discharge fees from all sources of wastewater discharges to include, but not
limited to, effluent from wastewater treatment plant (WTP) and sewage
treatment plant (STP), and discharges from water treatment facilities.
13. 1 The Wastewater Discharge Fee Formula. The waste water discharge fee
shall be computed based on the net waste load following the formula:
WDF = L„ x R
Where: R is the rate per kilogram (PhP/kg) which is initially fixed at

P5.00 per kilogram for priority pollutant parameter (e.g. BOD or TSS )
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act o/ 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 22 of 50 ÿMD0<I02
Ln refers to the net waste load (kg/year), computed further as
follows:
Ln (bod5/tss) r [( Cf - Ca ) (Qf xNr)]x 0.00 1
Where: Cf is the average daily effluent concentration limit (mg/1) for

priority pollutant parameter (BOD or TSS); Qf is the average daily
volumetric flowrate measurement or final discharge effluent (m3/day)
and Nf is the total number of discharge days in a year (days/ year). Ca is
the average water quality concentration limit for priority pollutant
parameter (BOD or TSS) of abstracted or intake water (mg/l).
BOD concentration shall be used in the formula for wastewaters that

have high organic or biodegradable materials. The TSS concentration
shall be used for high inorganic or non-biodegradable materials. P5.00
per kilogram BOD or TSS shall be charged.
The formula shall be applied to all industrial and commercial

wastewaters. However, the model shall be reviewed, revised and
evaluated by the EMB /DENR as the need arises and subject to public
consultations.
13.2 Fees for discharge of effluents for agricultural purposes. Fees for
discharge of effluents for agricultural purposes shall be assessed fixed
fee, provided that the wastewater shall not drain into any water bodies.
Provided further, that the conditions under Rule 14.6 are met. Once the
standards for land discharge have been developed, the wastewater
discharge fee shall be applied. Discharge on land other than for
agricultural purposes shall be outright charged a wastewater discharge
fee based on the above formula. Applicable conditions under Rule 14.6
shall apply.
13.3 Wastewater reusedfor irrigation and other agricultural purposes. The

Department of Agriculture, through its implementing agencies and
bureaus shall provide guidelines for the safe re-use of wastewater for
irrigation and other agricultural purposes. Such guidelines shall form the
basis for the department to set standards for disposal on land and
computation of the wastewater discharge fee.
13.4 Schedule for Implementation. Unless otherwise stated herein, the

wastewater charge system shall be implemented immediately in all areas
upon the effectivity of this IRR.
13.5 Dischargefee surcharge. New sources of pollution subject to the non-

attainment provisions will be assessed a twenty percent (20%) surcharge
(i.e., 120% of base) on the annual discharge fee for the pollutant(s) for
which the area is designated non-attainment. New sources include
existing sources of pollution that expand their operations resulting in
"MOD-GO???*,f..
implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 23 of 50
increase in effluent volume, or in concentration of the pollutant(s) for
which the area is designated as non-attainment.
J3.6 Expansion of Coverage. The Department may expand coverage of the

charge system to cover other pollutants after due consultations with the
affected sectors. The Department shall prioritize application of the
charge system on criteria pollutants that have exceeded guideline values
in non-attainment areas.
13.7 Wastewater Recycled with Zero Discharge. Industries that recycle their
wastewater without discharge into any water body or land shall pay only
the permit fee under Rule 14 below.
13.8 Wastewater Charges in ECOZONE. The wastewater discharge fee shall

be paid by the operator of the wastewater treatment plant located within
ECOZONES. Provided, that industries within ECOZONES that are not
connected to the WTP shall be liable for the wastewater charges
individually.
13.9 Sewerage Treatment Plant. The operator of sewerage treatment plant

shall pay the wastewater charges for effluents from the treatment
facilities. Provided, that the operator may claim contributions or
sewerage fees from residences, establishments or industries that use the
facilities. Establishments and industries discharging to and contributing
for maintenance of the sewerage system and treatment facilities shall be
exempt from paying the wastewater discharge fee.
13.10 Fees Collectedfrom LLDA Area. Wastewater discharge fees collected

from the LLDA area shall accrue to the LLDA fund, provided that the
funds are used for such purposes provided under the CWA and these
rules.
SEC. 14. Discharge Permits. - The Department shall require owners or operators of
facilities that discharge regulated effluents pursuant to this Act to secure a permit to
discharge. The discharge permit shall be the legal authorization granted by the Department
to discharge wastewater: Provided, That the discharge permit shall specify among others,
the quantity and quality of effluent that said facilities are allowed to discharge into a
particular water body, compliance schedule and monitoring requirement.
As part of the permitting procedure, the Department shall encourage the adoption
of waste minimization and waste treatment technologies when such technologies are deemed
cost effective.
The Department shall also develop procedures to relate the current water quality
guideline or the projected water quality guideline of the receiving water body/ies with total
pollution loadings from various sources, so that effluent quotas can be properly allocated in
the discharge permits. For industries without any discharge permit, they may be given a
period of twelve (12) months after the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations
promulgated pursuant to this Act, to secure a discharge permit.
Effluent trading may be allowed per management area. ,e.IR

SMDD-002J?5l
Rule 14. Wastewater Discharge Permit. The discharge permit shall specify the quantity
and quality of effluents that the permittee is allowed to discharge as well as the
validity of the permit. The quantity and quality shall be based on the installed
capacity of the facility.
14.1 Who May Apply for a Wastewater Discharge Permit. Any person that
shall discharge in any manner wastewater into Philippine waters and/or
land shall secure a wastewater discharge permit from the Regional Office
of the Bureau. As such, a person shall file an application in two (2)
copies using prescribed forms.
14.2 First time application. Persons applying for the first time shall submit
such documents, information and data as may be required by the
Regional Office including but not limited to the following, to be
contained in a verified Engineer's Report prepared by a registered
chemical or sanitary engineer or pollution control officer:
a) vicinity map identifying the street address, location or plant premise;
b) the nature of project or business;
c) production capacity; quantity or volume and the generic name(s) of
product(s);
d) the nature and character of the applicant's wastewater and its
physical and chemical composition;
e) total daily volume of discharge of raw wastewater;
f) treatment process and estimated treatment efficiency;
g) the total daily volume of water consumption and discharge of final
treated wastewater or effluent;
h) the name of receiving body of water and its official water
classification and in case of land discharge, the nearest receiving
body of water and its official water classification;
i) information on flow measurement equipment and procedure;
j) Pollution prevention/ Environmental Management System plan or
program.
k) DENR ID Number as hazardous waste generator (if applicable)
i) statement of the cost incurred in the installation and maintenance of
wastewater treatment facility, if any.
m) quality' and quantity of abstracted water
n) copy of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the
Department or Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC), as applicable.
Failure to submit the necessary requirements shall be sufficient ground

for the disapproval of the application.
14.3 Renewal of discharge permits Existing permittees shall submit the

following in the application for renewal of discharge permit:
a) copies of the quarterly self-monitoring reports for the immediately
preceding year:
b) A copy of the Certificate of Accreditation of the Pollution Control
Officer duly issued by the Department, or appointment
/designation as such by the Managing Head;
•iWDO-OO 22 7 ÿ
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 25 oj 50
c) Official Receipts for the payment of the applicable Permit Fee and
the Wastewater Discharge Fee.
d) Other documents that may be required related to land application.
Failure to submit the necessary requirements shall be sufficient ground

for the disapproval of the application.
14.4 Processing of the Application for a Wastewater Discharge Permit. The

Regional Office shall act on the application for a Wastewater Discharge
Permit within thirty (30) working days from receipt of all the
requirements.
14.5 Permit Fee. The applicant shall pay an annual permit fee following the
schedule below:
Volumetric Rate Amount

of Discharge annual fee (pesos)
Zero discharge 2,000.00
Without Heavy With Heavy Metals
Metals
Below 10 nrVday 2,000.00 2,600.00
>10 mJ/d - 30 2,200.00 2,800.00
m3/day
>30 nr7d - 100 2,500.00 3,100.00
m3/day
>100 nr7d - 150 2,700.00 3,300.00
m3/day
>150 nfVd 3,300.00 3,900.00
14.6 Requirements for the Approval and Issuance of a Wastewater

Discharge Permit for Discharge of Effluents for Agricultural
Purposes. The said permit shall be issued pursuant to Section 14.
Provided that the following conditions shall be met before such permit is
issued:
a) Certified true copy of land ownership or notarized copy of agreement

between the owner of the land where the effluent is to be applied and
the discharger /permittee.
b) The wastewater that shall be used for land application shall not
contain toxic or hazardous substances (as defined in RA 6969).
c) No wastewater applied for agricultural purposes shall directly or

indirectly seep or drain into groundwater or nearby surface waters
which will affect the quality of such ground and/or surface water
d) A certification from the Department of Agriculture (DA) stating that

"the quantity, quality and distribution methodology of application are
suited for agricultural purposes" shall be submitted
e) Land application shall be used only during periods of low surface

water flow to enhance loading limits compliance.
aMOO-CK)2275t
f) Submission of a baseline groundwater quality data and self-
monitoring report within the discharge areas, and installation of at
least one groundwater monitoring well which shall be drilled in each
dominant direction of groundwater movement.
g) Submission of an emergency plan - which shall respond to

emergencies that can prevent or minimize damage to equipment, land,
groundwater, etc., and/or public health.
h) The plan shall highlight the design considerations, systems operation,

treatment/ monitoring of soil, crops, effluent and groundwater
before/after irrigation. Such requirements shall be in addition to
section 14.2
14. 7 Motion for Reconsideration. In case the application is denied a motion

for reconsideration may be filed at the regional office within fifteen (15)
working days from the date of receipt of a written notice of such
disapproval. The Regional Office shall decide upon the petition within
thirty (30) working days from the date of receipt of the motion.
14.8 Appeals. The decisions of the Regional Office may be appealed to the
Secretary within fifteen (15) working days from receipt of written notice
of such decision. Said appeal shall not stay the execution of the decision
of the Regional Office unless ordered otherwise by the Secretary. The
decision of the Secretary is final and executory.
14.9 Effectivity of the Discharge Permit. The Discharge Permit shall be valid
for a maximum period of Five (5) years from the date of its issuance,
renewable for 5-year periods. The Department may, however, renew the
discharge permit valid for a longer period if the applicant has adopted
waste minimization and waste treatment technologies, consistent with
incentives currently provided has been paying the permit fees on time.
14.10 Geographically Targeted Permitting The Regional Offices of the

Bureau shall adopt a system of scheduling the expiration and renewal of
permits on designated months of the year for identified clusters of LGUs
in order to efficiently process applications. During the transition phase,
the permit fee assessed shall be pro-rated to the period of effectivity' of
the permit.
14.11 Grounds for suspension or revocation of permits. After due notice and
hearing, the Department thru the Bureau may suspend or revoke any
existing and valid permit on any of the following grounds:
a) Non-compliance with or gross violation of any provision of the Act,
these rules and regulations and/ or permit conditions;
b) Deliberate or negligent submission of false information in the
application for permit that led to the issuance of the permit;
c) Deliberate or negligent submission of false monitoring data or report
required in the discharge permit.
*MDD-00227Sl
d) Refusal to allow lawful inspection conducted by the Department thru
the Bureau of duly authorized personnel;
e) Non-payment of the appropriate wastewater discharge fees within a
30-day cure period from the date such payment is due;
0 Other grounds provided by law.
14.12 Effect of Disapproval of Application or Suspension or Revocation of
Wastewater Discharge Permit. Disapproved applications or suspended
or revoked wastewater discharge permits shall not grant any right or
privilege to the applicant or former permit holder to discharge its
wastewater into any water body(ies) and/or land. Any discharge shall be
a ground for the immediate issuance of a cease and desist order.
14.13 Posting of Permit. The permittee shall display the permit on the facility
or installation in such manner as to be clearly visible and accessible at all
times. In the event that the permit cannot be so placed, it shall be
mounted in an accessible and visible place near the installation covered
by the permit. Any person who shall willfully deface, alter, forge,
counterfeit, or falsify any permit shall be punished in accordance with
law.
14.14 Transfer of Permits. In case of sale or legal transfer of a facility covered

by a permit, the permittee shall notify the Department through the
Bureau of such and the name and address of the transferee within thirty
(30) days from the date of sale or transfer. In case of failure to do so, he
shall be liable for any violation of these Rules and Regulations that the
transferee may commit by reason of such transfer. It shall be the duty of
the transferee to file an application for transfer of the permit in his name
within ten (10) days from notification of the Department through the
Bureau.
14.15 Plant Operational Problems.
14.15.1 In the event that the permittee is temporarily unable to comply

with any of the conditions of the Wastewater Discharge Permit
due to a breakdown of the any installation covered by the permit,
for any cause, he or his pollution control officer shall
immediately notify the Regional Office of such breakdown
within 24 hours from occurrence of such breakdown. While the
necessary installation is not operational, the facility shall
temporarily cease to discharge if the breakdown will result in a
discharge of more than 10% of the prescribed standard, or pose
an imminent danger to the environment or public health. Failure
to do so shall result in maximum penalty imposed by law and
liability for damages.
14.15.2 Within seven (7) working days from such notification, the
permittee shall submit a report to the Regional Office detailing
the cause(s) of such breakdown, and the steps being taken to
solve the problem and/or to prevent its recurrence. The report
shall include the estimated duration of the breakdown, the intent
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 <RA No. 9275) Page 28 of 50 woowmsi
toward reconstruction or repair of such installation and such
other relevant information or data as may be required by the
Bureau.
14.15.3 Within five (5) working days of the receipt of the report, the
Regional Office shall evaluate the proposed measures that will
be undertaken by the permittee. The assessment shall determine
if the proposed measures is sufficient to prevent significant harm
to the environment. The assessment, including the
circumstances surrounding the breakdown, shall serve as the
basis of the imposition of additional requirements, corrective
and/or rehabilitative measures as well as fines, penalties and
other enforcement actions on the part of the Bureau.
14.15.4 Upon completion of the necessary repair or rehabilitation works,

the Regional Office shall be notified within three (3) working
days. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of such notification,
the regional office concerned shall determine whether the facility
would be allowed to discharge and assessed the fine, if
applicable.
14.16 Self-Monitoring Reports. The Regional Offices shall require the

permittee to submit a quarterly self-monitoring report on a prescribed
form under oath signed by the Managing Head and the Pollution Control
Officer or any registered chemical or sanitary engineer as
designated/assigned by the Managing Head as PCO. Specifically, the
report shall contain the quality and quantity of wastes discharged daily or
periodically, as the case may be; the characterization and laboratory
analyses conducted, preferably by a duly licensed and recognized/
accredited laboratory by the Department; and such other material
information the Regional Office may require from the permittee. The
DENR Regional Offices shall validate information in the SMRs.
The self-monitoring report shall be submitted to the Regional Offices

w ithin fifteen ( 15) calendar days after the end of each quarter.
14.17 Procedures for Effluent Quota Allocation. The Bureau shall develop
procedures to relate the current water quality guideline or the projected
water quality guideline of the receiving water body/ies with total
pollution loadings from various sources. Upon the formulation of these
procedures, effluent quotas shall be properly allocated in the discharge
permits.
14.18 Pollution sources connected to sewerage systems. Pollution sources

currently discharging to existing sewerage systems with operational
wastewater treatment facilities shall be exempt from the permit
requirement. Provided that, in the absence of, or pending the
establishment of a sewerage system, pollution sources shall be covered
by the permit requirement.
«MOO-O02?75i,
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 i'RA No. 9275) Page 29 of 50
14.19 Effluent Trading. Effluent trading may be allowed among water
pollution sources within a WQMA subject to regulations to be issued by
the Department.
Article 3
Financial liability mechanism
SEC. 15. Financial Liability for Environmental Rehabilitation. - The Department shall
require program and project proponents to put up environmental guarantee fund (EGF) as
part of the environmental management plan attached to the environmental compliance
certificate pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1586 and its implementing rules and
regulations. The EGF shall finance the maintenance of the health of the ecosystems and
specially the conservation of watersheds and aquifers affected by the development, and the
needs of emergency response, clean-up or rehabilitation of areas that may be damaged
during the program's or project's actual implementation. Liability for damages shall
continue even after the termination of a program or project and, until the lapse of a given
period indicated in the environmental compliance certificate, as determined by the
Department.
The EGF may be in the form of a trust fund, environmental insurance, surety
bonds, letters of credit, self-insurance and any other instruments which may be identified
by the Department. The choice of the guarantee instrument or combinations thereof shall
depend, among others, on the assessment of the risks involved and financial test
mechanisms devised by the Department. Proponents required to put up guarantee
instruments shall furnish the Department with evidence of availment of such instruments
from accredited financial instrument providers.
Rule 15. Financial Liability.
15.1 Environmental Guarantee Fund. The Bureau shall set the amount that
will constitute the Environmental Guarantee Fund that will be deposited
by the proponent in a separate account to be audited and inspected
together with compliance reviews conducted by government, the LGU or
the Multi-Sectoral Monitoring teams as set up under rules and
regulations on the Environmental Impact Assessment System or the
Environmental Compliance Certificate. The MMT may set up guidelines
in the use of the fund to ensure its use for purposes intended by the law.
The proponent may choose to assign the fund to a trustee who may be
chosen jointly by the Bureau and the Proponent. There shall only be one
(1) EGF to be set up for each program or project as required in the ECC,
covering all environmental concerns, as may be required by existing laws
mandating an EGF.
15.2 Additional costs. In the event that the fund is used up for emergency
response, clean up or rehabilitation or the ECC requires monitoring at a
specified time after the program's termination and additional remediation
or monitoring is needed, the additional expense shall be for the account
of the proponent.
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 <RA No. 9275) Page 30 of 50
15.3 Risk Assessment. The EIA shall include a risk assessment, where
applicable, which shall be reviewed by the EIARC and made the basis of
the amount of the EGF or other instruments as specified in the law.
15.4 Precedent. The Department may adopt the practice of precedent setting
when it comes to EGF ruling
SEC. 16. Clean-Up Operations. - Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 15 and 26

hereof, any person who causes pollution in or pollutes water bodies in excess of the
applicable and prevailing standards shall be responsible to contain, remove and clean-up
any pollution incident at his own expense to the extent that the same water bodies have been
rendered unfit for utilization and beneficial use: Provided, That in the event emergency
clean-up operations are necessary and the polluter fails to immediately undertake the same,
the Department, in coordination with other government agencies concerned, shall conduct
containment, removal and clean-up operations. Expenses incurred in said operations shall
be reimbursed by the persons found to have caused such pollution upon proper
administrative determination in accordance with this Act. Reimbursements of the cost
incurred shall be made to the Water Quality Management Fund or to such other funds
where said disbursements were sourced.
Rule 16. Clean-Up Operations. Whenever the Department discovers any act or omission
that has caused pollution of a water body, the Department shall issue an order
for the perpetrator of the act or omission to contain, remove or clean-up the
pollution at his own expense. If the perpetrator fails to act within the period
specified in the order, the Department may undertake the clean-up and deputize
other government agencies as well as private volunteers to conduct
containment and clean-up.
16.1 Determination of liability for clean-up. The administrative

determination of the cause of the pollution and the parties responsible for
it shall be incorporated in the proceedings in the PAB, if any. In the
absence of a complainant and a PAB proceeding, the Secretary may
authorize the EMB Director to make the determination with due notice
, and hearing and call necessary parties to provide evidence thereto.
16.2 Use of EGF The EGF established in accordance with Sec. 15 of the
CWA and Rule 15 above shall not constitute full remediation of damage
or injury caused to the environment or public health by a program or
project and shall not be a bar to any administrative, civil or criminal
complaints for such damage or injury.
16.3 Reimbursement for clean-up costs. The costs of clean-up may be

sourced from the perpetrator, the program or project's EGF, any
insurance policies that may be applicable or from the Water Resources
Management Fund in that order of priority. If sourced from the WRMF,
reimbursement shall be made to the same fund after determination of
causation and liability by the means established herein.
SEC. 17. Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment. - The Department shall

implement programmatic compliance with the environmental impact assessment system, as
in the fotlowing types of development:
:e-.h
RMOD-00227t.i'
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act oj 2004 (RA No. 92 75) Page 31 of 50
(a) development consisting of a series of similar projects, or a project subdivided into
several phases and/or stages whether situated in a contiguous area or
geographically dispersed; and
(b) development consisting of several components or a cluster of projects co-located in
an area such as an industrial estate, an export processing zone, or a development
zone identified in a local land use plan.
Programmatic compliance with the environmental impact assessment system shall

be guided by carrying capacity assessments determined from ecological profiles. Ecological
profiles shall identify environmental constraints and opportunities in programmatic areas.
Programmatic assessment shall also take into account cumulative impacts and risks.
Consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the Department may
enter into agreement with LGUs to incorporate programmatic environmental impact
assessment into the preparation, updating or revision of local land use plans and area
development plans.
Rule 17. Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment
17.1 Requirements. Developments that are subject of Programmatic EIA

shall comply with the requirements of Presidential Decree No. 1586 and
its implementing rules and regulations on programmatic compliance with
the EIA system.
17.2 Programmatic EIA in Local Land Use Plans and Area Development
Plans. The Bureau shall coordinate with and provide technical
assistance to planning development officers of LGUs in incorporating
Programmatic EIA in local land use plans and area development plans.
SEC. 18. Environmental Impact Assessment System Programmatic Compliance with

Water Quality Standards. - The Department may allow each regional industrial center
established pursuant to Republic Act No. 7916 (PEZA law) to allocate effluent quotas to
pollution sources within its jurisdiction that qualify under an environmental impact
assessment system programmatic compliance program in accordance with Presidential
Decree No. 1586 and its implementing rules and regulations.
Rule 18. Allocation of Effluent Quotas within Special Economic Zones. Each
Executive Committee of Special Economic Zone (ECOZONE) established
pursuant to Republic Act No. 7916 may formulate effluent quota allocation
system that shall be implemented within its jurisdiction subject to the approval
of the Bureau. Provided, that allocation of effluent quotas to pollution sources
shall apply only to developments that qualify under a Programmatic EIA in
accordance with Rule 17 above.
CHAPTER 3
INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM
SEC. 19. Lead Agency. - The Department shall be the primary government agency
responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Act unless otherwise provided
herein. As such, it shall have the following functions, powers and responsibilities:
- C&NR
«moo-oo22?,h
a) Prepare a National Water Quality Status Report within twenty-four (24) months
from the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That the Department shall thereafter
review or revise and publish annually, or as the need arises, said report;
b) Prepare an Integrated Water Quality Management Framework within twelve (12)
months following the completion of the status report;
c) Prepare a ten-year Water Quality Management Area Action Plan within twelve (12)
months following the completion of the framework for each designated water
management area. Such action plan shall be reviewed by the water quality
management area governing board every five (5) years or as the need arises;
d) Prepare and publish a national groundwater vulnerability map incorporating the
prevailing standards and methodologies, within twenty four (24) months after the
effectivity of this Act;
e) Enforce, review and revise within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act
water quality guidelines after due consultation with the concerned stakeholder
sectors: Provided, That the Department, in coordination with appropriate agencies
shall review said guidelines every five (5) years or as need arises;
f) Review and set effluent standards every five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act
or sooner as determined by the Department: Provided, That in the interim, the
provisions of DENR Administrative Order No. 35 of the Department shall apply:
Provided, further, That when new and more stringent standards are set in
accordance with this section, the Department may establish a grace period with a
maximum of five (5) years: Provided, finally, That such grace period shall be
limited to the moratorium on the issuance of cease and desist and/or closure order
against the industry's operations except in the event such operation poses serious
and grave threat to the environment, or the industry fails to institute retooling,
upgrading or establishing an environmental management system (EMS).
g) Establish within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act, internationally-
accepted procedures for sampling and analysis of pollutants and in coordination
with other concerned agencies, formulate testing procedures and establish an
accreditation system for laboratories;
h) Within eighteen (18) months from the effectivity of this Act and every two (2) years
thereafter, categorize point and non-point sources of water pollution;
i) Classify groundwater sources within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this
Act;
j) Classify or reclassify all water bodies according to their beneficial usages:
Provided, That in the interim, the provisions of DENR Administrative Order No. 34
shall apply: Provided, further, That such classification or reclassification shall take
into consideration the operation of businesses or facilities that are existing prior to
the effectivity of the Act: Provided, furthermore, That the Department may
authorize the use of the water for other purposes that are more restrictive in
classification: Provided, finally, That discharges resulting from such use shall meet
the effluent standards set by the Department;
k) Exercise jurisdiction over all aspects of water pollution, determine its location,
magnitude, extent, severity, causes, effects and other pertinent information on
pollution, and to take measures, using available methods and technologies to
prevent and abate such pollution;
1) Exercise supervision and control over all aspects of water quality management;
m) Establish a cooperative effort in partnership with the government, LGUs, academic
institutions, civil society and the private sector to attain the objectives of this Act;
*MOQ.0022'V
n) Disseminate information and conduct educational awareness and value formation
programs and campaigns on the effects of water pollution on health and
environment, water quality management, and resource conservation and recovery
to encourage an environmentally action-oriented society in coordination with
government agencies identified in Section 22 (f);
o) Promote and encourage private and business sectors especially manufacturing and
processing plants the use of water quality management systems equipment,
including but not limited to, industrial wastewater treatment collection and
treatment facilities;
p) Report, on an annual basis, to Congress the quality status of water bodies and
other pertinent information and recommend possible legislation, policies and
programs for environmental management and water pollution control;
q) Issue rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the provisions of this
Act;
r) Issue orders against any person or entity and impose fines, penalties and other
administrative sanctions to compel compliance with water quality regulations and
the provisions of this Act;
s) Undertake appropriate protocol with other concerned agencies for immediate
coordinated responses to water related emergency incidents;
t) Issue permits, clearances and similar instruments pursuant to this Act; and
u) Exercise such powers and perform such other functions as may be necessary to
carry out the objectives of this Act.
The Department shall gradually devolve to the LGUs, and to the governing boards
the authority to administer some aspects of water quality management and regulation,
including, but not to be limited to, permit issuance, monitoring and imposition of
administrative penalties, when, upon the Department's determination, the LGU or the
governing board has demonstrated readiness and technical capability to undertake such
functions.
Rule 19. DENR as Lead Agency. The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources shall take the lead in the preparation, implementation and
enforcement of the following mandates under the Act:
19.1 National water quality status report. The national water quality status
report shall identify (a) the location of water bodies, their water quality,
taking into account seasonal, tidal and other variations, existing and
potential uses and sources of pollution per specific pollutant and
pollution load assessment; (b) water quality management areas pursuant
to Section 9 of this Act; and (c) water classification. WQMA governing
boards shall regularly submit to the Department a water quality status
report of their area. Such local reposts shall form the basis for the
Department to issue updates or revisions of the national water quality
status report, it shall be prepared in consultation with relevant sectors.
19.2 Integrated Water Quality Management Framework. An IWQMF shall

be prepared by the Department in coordination with relevant agencies.
Said IWQMF shall be evaluated at the end of every five (5) years or as
the need arises. It may contain, but not be limited to, the following: a)
assessment of policies and institutional arrangements and capacities
relevant to water quality management including the strategy of
devolution to LGUs, b) management strategies, c) sustainable financing
strategies, and d) performance monitoring.
19.3 Water Quality Management Area Action Plan for each WQMA. For
each designated water quality management area established in
accordance to the Act, the Department through its regional offices, in
coordination with NWRB, members of local government units (LGUs)
and other concerned sectors, shall, within twelve (12) months following
the completion of the Framework, formulate a ten (10) year water quality
management area action plan, herein referred to as the action plan, for
the purpose of translating the framework into action plans at the local
level. Such action plan shall be reviewed by the water quality
management area governing board every five (5) years or as the need
arises. The action plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a) goals and targets including sewerage or septage program; b) schedule
of compliance to meet the applicable requirements of this Act; c) water
pollution control strategies or techniques; d) water quality information
and education program; e) resource requirement and possible sources; f)
enforcement procedures of the plan; and g) rewards and incentives under
Chapter 4 of this Act.
19.4 Groundwater vulnerability mapping. The Department, through the

Mines and Geosciences Bureau, in coordination with the NWRB, shall
publish a national baseline groundwater vulnerability map series on a
scale of 1:250,000 which will reflect the different degrees of
groundwater vulnerability based on a range of soil properties and
hydrogeological criteria to serve as guide in the protection of the
groundwater from contamination. Groundwater vulnerability map for
highly urbanized cities (HUC) shall be prepared within the first twelve
(12) months after synthesizing the following existing data: nature of
confining soil and rock layer above the aquifer, aquifer permeability,
recharge areas and topography. The MGB shall publish a standard
guide/methodology to groundwater vulnerability mapping and ranking of
relative vulnerability of groundwater to contamination together with the
maps. Environmentally critical projects or activities within high
vulnerability areas may be required a site specific and detailed
groundwater vulnerability map on a minimum scale of 1:50,000, subject
to the guidelines promulgated by the MGB and subject to Presidential
Decree No. 1586 and its implementing rules and regulations. For this
purpose, the MGB shall: (a) conduct an assessment and mitigation of
water-related geo-hazards including groundwater contamination; (b)
establish and maintain a water resource data bank; and (c) exercise such
other duties and functions as may be necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Section.
19.5 Water quality guidelines. Within twelve (12) months from the
effe.ctivity of this Act, the Department, in coordination with the DOH,
DA and other government agencies, private sectors and academic
research institutions, shall review and/or revise and publish water quality
guidelines accurately reflecting the latest scientific knowledge on the
following matters: a) effects of pollutants on public health, biological
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 35 oj 50 »MDO-OQ22'/!i
diversity, aquatic life, productivity and stability, including information
on the factors affecting rates of eutrophication and rates of organic and
inorganic sedimentation for varying types of waterways, bio-
accumulation of chemicals; b) concentration and dispersal of pollutants,
including naturally occurring pollutants in highly mineralized areas.
through physical, chemical and biological processes; pollution loading
may also be used together with the concentration scheme; and, c)
beneficial uses of the receiving water body. The Department, in
coordination with concerned government agencies, and upon prior
consultation with the private sector, shall review and/or revise every five
(5) years or as the need arises the water quality guidelines set pursuant to
the Act. In the interim, the guidelines set under DAO 34, as amended,
shall remain valid.
19.6 Effluent Standards. The effluent standards shall take into consideration
the protection of public health and welfare as well as protection and
propagation of balanced ecosystem as well as best available and
practicable technology for water pollution prevention and abatement.
The Bureau shall evaluate whether DAO 35 standards need to be updated
based on its performance of monitoring and enforcement functions in the
past as well as the current data on water quality of receiving waters. In
case it deems appropriate that the standards be updated, it shall formulate
the general standards for effluent discharge applicable to all point
sources except when industry specific standards are in effect in
accordance with Rule 12.1 hereof. The grace period shall only be issued
upon determination by the Department that the industry's operation
would require significant retooling, upgrading or as may be necessary for
the establishment of an EMS to include, but not be limited to, installation
of water pollution device, shift to less pollutive materials, or
modification or shift to cleaner production, and after a thorough and
transparent evaluation. Covered industries are required to submit
periodic reports to the Department on steps taken for the establishment of
an EMS including compliance schedule within the prescribed grace
period. In the interim, the standards set in DAO 35, as amended, shall
remain valid.
19.7 Proceduresfor sampling and analysis ofpollutants. The Department, in

coordination with other government agencies and private sectors, shall,
within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, adopt alternative
internationally accepted test procedures for the sampling and analysis of
pollutants: Provided, that continuous evaluation of emerging test
procedures shall be conducted to broaden the list of available test
procedures: Provided, further, that such procedures shall be prescribed
as the acceptable system of sampling and analysis.
19.8 Accreditation system of laboratories. The Department, in coordination

with DOST, DTI, DOH and other concerned agencies, academe,
professional associations, and the private sector shall likewise, within
one (1) year after the adoption of the test procedures, formulate, maintain
and manage a system of accreditation for laboratories. The Department
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 36 of 50 »MDD-CC2?.'Si-
shall encourage and assist state universities in setting up such accredited
laboratories.
19.9 Categories of point and non-point sources. The Department, in

coordination with relevant agencies, shall issue and publish, within
eighteen (18) months from the effectivity of this Act, guidelines on the
(a) identification and evaluation of the nature and extent of non-point
sources of pollution; and (b) processes, procedures and methods to
control pollution resulting therefrom. In case of pollution coming from
agricultural and aquacultural activities, the Department, in coordination
with the DA, shall set guidelines for the prevention, control and
abatement of said pollution. LGUs concerned with non-point
agricultural sources may issue ordinances to regulate the sale, application
and disposal of agricultural inputs, as well as establish programs and
regulations for the prevention of soil erosion.
19.10 sources. The Bureau shall coordinate

Classification of groundwater
with the NWRB and other relevant agencies in the classification of
groundwater sources.
19.11 Classification and re-classification of water bodies. For the purpose of

these rules and regulations, all water bodies shall be classified according
to their beneficial usage. Five (5) years after the effectivity of these rules
and regulations and every ten (10) years thereafter, the Bureau, in
coordination with NWRB and other appropriate government agencies,
and upon prior public hearing, shall review and/or revise and publish
classification or reclassification of Philippine waters according to their
potential beneficial use, taking into account, among others, the
following: (a) existing quality of the body of water; (b) size, depth,
surface area covered, volume, direction, rate of flow and gradient of
stream; (c) most beneficial existing and future use of said bodies of
water and lands bordering them, such as for residential, agricultural,
aquacultural, commercial, industrial, navigational, recreational, wildlife
conservation and aesthetic purposes; and (d) vulnerability of surface and
groundwater to contamination from pollutive and hazardous wastes,
agricultural chemicals and underground storage tanks of petroleum
products. All reclassifications of water shall be adopted upon
affirmative findings by the Department's regional office concerned that:
(a) The proposed reclassification will establish the present and future
most beneficial use of the waters;
(b) Such reclassification is clearly in the public interest; and
(c) The proposed designated use is attainable, upon consideration of
environmental, technological, social, economic, institutional and
climate change factors.
19.12 Information and Dissemination Campaigns. The Department shall

coordinate with Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on
Higher Education (CHED), Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the
preparation and implementation of a comprehensive and continuing
public education and information program pursuant to the objectives of
the Act.
SEC. 20. Role of Local Government Units. - Local government units shall share the
responsibility in the management and improvement of water quality within their territorial
jurisdictions.
Each local government unit shall within six (6) months after the establishment of the
water quality management area action plan prepare a compliance scheme in accordance
thereof, subject to review and approval of the governing board.
Each local government unit shall, through its Environment and Natural Resources Office
(ENRO) established in Republic Act No. 7160, have the following powers and functions:
a) Monitoring of water quality;

b) Emergency response;
c) Compliance with the framework of the Water Quality Management Action Plan;
d) To take active participation in all efforts concerning water quality protection and
rehabilitation; and
e) To coordinate with other government agencies and civil society and the concerned
sectors in the implementation of measures to prevent and control water pollution:
Provided, however, That in provinces/cities/municipalities where there are no
environment and natural resources officers, the local executive concerned may, with
the approval of the Secretary of the DENR designate any of his official and/or chief
of office preferably the provincial, city or municipal agriculturist, or any of his
employee: Provided, finally, That in case an employee is designated as such, he
must have sufficient experience in environmental and natural resources
management, conservation and utilization.
Rule 20. Role of LGUs. The Department shall provide assistance to local government
units in the performance of their obligations under the law:
20.1 Role in WQMA and WQMA Action Planning. The local government
unit shall prepare, within 6 months from receipt of the WQMA Action
Plan, a compliance scheme listing activities and timetables for achieving
the objectives of the WQMA Action Plan in their territorial jurisdiction.
The compliance scheme shall be presented and discussed by the
governing board to ensure consistency with the WQMA Action Plan and
complementation with compliance schemes of contiguous LGUs. The
Department shall actively encourage LGUs to participate in the process
of designation of WQMAs and in the Governing Board.
20.2 Role in Non-attainment areas. The Department, in coordination with

other concerned agencies, shall assist LGUs prepare a contingency plan
to protect the public from the adverse impacts of pollution in non-
attainment areas.
20.3 Role in sewerage and septage management The Department shall assist
LGUs identify projects for inclusion in the sewerage and septage
management program. Such project proposals shall include the
counterpart commitments of the LGU for implementation and shall be
submitted to DPWH for prioritization. The LGU shall ensure that such
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 38 of 50 jMoo-qo2;' bl
projects are known to and included in the decisions made by the
building, planning and environment departments of each LGU.
20.4 Role in programmatic compliance with is/A. The Department shall

assist LGUs who express intention to implement programmatic
compliance with EIA regulations in their jurisdictions.
20.5 Role in compliance monitoring and enforcement. Upon the request of a

Sangguniang Bayan or Barangay, the DENR shall assist in the drafting or
ordinances for more effective and efficient enforcement and compliance
with the Clean Water Act and employ strategic measures that would
maximize the impact of meager resources.
20.6 Capability Building for LGUs. The DENR shall assist LGUs in
determining and prioritizing their capability requirements and in raising
the required resources to undertake the capability building, including
coordinating with the DILG and the DBM in determining possible
sources and allowable disbursements that may be used for such
capability building. Such capability building shall also take into
consideration effective monitoring and strategic enforcement and ensure
LGU and barangay training in water sampling and other measures that
would indicate the need for intervention and enforcement of pollution
laws.
20. 7 Role in harmonizing jurisdictions. As the common member of many

other integrated management units, LGU representatives to Regional
Development Councils, Protected Area Management Boards, Watershed
Management Councils, airsheds and the like shall ensure that these
bodies are aware of actions taken in the WQMA and that conflict among
jurisdictions and decisions are kept to a minimum. Whenever a conflict
arises between a decision made in two or more of these bodies, it shall be
the duty of the common LGU representatives to establish a process for
harmonization.
SEC. 21. Business and Industry Role in Environmental Management. - The Department
and the LGUs, in coordination with the appropriate government agencies, and in
consultation with the business and industrial sectors including chambers of commerce, shall
formulate appropriate incentives for the adoption of procedures that will preserve and
protect our water bodies through the introduction of innovative equipment and processes
that reduce if not totally eliminate the discharge of pollutants into our water bodies.
Rule 21. Formulation and adoption of appropriate incentives. The Department shall
create a task force that will study and formulate appropriate incentives for the
utilization of innovative equipment and processes that reduce if not totally
eliminate the discharge of wastewater. Said task force shall be chaired by the
Director of the Bureau and will have, as members, representatives of LGUs,
other relevant government agencies and the private sector.
SEC. 22. Linkage Mechanism. - The Department and its concerned attached agencies
including LLDA shall coordinate and enter into agreement with other government agencies,
*MOD-00?2?fu
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 IRA No. 9275) Page 39 of 50
industrial sector and other concerned sectors in the furtherance of the objectives of this Act.
The following agencies shall perform the functions specified hereunder:
(a) Philippine Coast Guard in coordination with DA and the Department shall enforce
water quality standards in marine waters, set pursuant to this Act, specifically from
offshore sources;
(b) DPWH through its attached agencies, such as the MWSS, LWUA, and including
other urban water utilities for the provision of sewerage and sanitation facilities
and the efficient and safe collection, treatment and disposal of sewage within their
area of jurisdiction;
(c) DA, shall coordinate with the Department, in the formulation of guidelines for the
re-use of wastewater for irrigation and other agricultural uses and for the
prevention, control and abatement of pollution from agricultural and aquaculture
activities: Provided, That discharges coming from non-point sources be categorized
and further defined pursuant to this Act: Provided, further, That the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the DA shall be primarily responsible
for the prevention and control of water pollution for the development, management
and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic resources;
(d) DOH shall be primarily responsible for the promulgation, revision and enforcement
of drinking water quality standards;
(e) DOST, in coordination with the Department and other concerned agencies, shall
prepare a program for the evaluation, verification, development and public
dissemination of pollution prevention and cleaner production technologies; and
(f) Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine
Information Agency (PIA) shall assist and coordinate with the Department in the
preparation and implementation of a comprehensive and continuing public
education and information program pursuant to the objectives of this Act.
Rule 22. Lead role of DENR. The Department shall monitor, remind in writing, assist
where possible, other government agencies who are mandated to perform tasks
to implement the CWA.
SEC. 23. Requirement of Record-keeping, Authority for Entry to Premises and Access to
Documents. - The Department or its duly authorized representative shall, alter proper
consultation and notice, require any person who owns or operates any pollution source or
who is subject to any requirement of this Act to submit reports and other written
information as may be required by the Department.
Any record, report or information, obtained under this section shall be made
available to the public, except upon a satisfactory showing to the Department by the entity
concerned that the record, report, or information or parts thereof, if made public, would
divulge secret methods or processes entitled to protection as intellectual property. Such
record, report or information shall likewise be incorporated in the Department's industrial
rating system. Pursuant to this Act, the Department, through its authorized representatives,
shall have the right to: (a) enter any premises or to have access to documents and relevant
materials as referred to in the herein preceding paragraph; (b) inspect any pollution or
waste source, control device, monitoring equipment or method required; and (c) test any
-ESQ
ÿ*MDO-O072-y
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 IRA No. 9275) Page 40 of 50
In cases of fish kill incidence, the Bureau of Fisheries of the DA, in the course of its
investigation, may enter the premises of an establishment reported to have caused said
incident.
Rule 23. RecordKeeping, Inspection, Monitoring and Entry
23.1 Required Relevant Reports and Records. The Bureau or its duly
accredited entity shall, after proper consultation and notice, require any
person who owns or operates any pollution source or who is subject to
any requirement of this Act to: (a) establish and maintain relevant
records; (b) make relevant reports; (c) install, use and maintain
monitoring equipment or methods; (d) sample effluent, in accordance
with the methods, locations, intervals and manner prescribed by the
Bureau; (e) keep records on control equipment parameters, production
variables or other indirect data when direct monitoring of discharge is
impractical; and (f) provide such other information as the Bureau may
reasonably require.
23.2 Right of Entry, Inspection and Testing. Pursuant to the Act, the Bureau,
through its authorized representatives, shall have the right of:
a) entry or access to any premises including documents and relevant
materials as referred to in the herein proceeding paragraph;
b) inspect any pollution or waste source, control device, monitoring
equipment or method required; and
c) test any discharge.
The Bureau may authorize the LGU as its representative for this purpose.
23.3 Records Available to the Public. Any record, report or information

obtained under this Rule shall be made available to the public, except
upon a satisfactory showing to the Bureau by the entity concerned that
the record, report or information, or parts thereof, if made public, would
divulge secret methods or processes entitled to protection as intellectual
property. Such record, report or information shall likewise be
incorporated in the Bureau's industrial rating system.
SEC. 24. Pollution Research and Development Programs. - The Department, in

coordination with the DOST, other concerned agencies and academic research institutions,
shall establish a national research and development program for the prevention and control
of water pollution. As part of said program, the DOST shall conduct and promote the
coordination and acceleration of research, investigation, experiments, training, surveys and
studies relating to the causes, extent, prevention and control of pollution among concerned
government agencies and research institutions.
Rule 24. Pollution Research and Development Program
24.1 National Research and Development Programfor the Prevention and

.
Control of Water Pollution Within twelve (12) months following the
effectivity of these Rules, the Department through the Bureau, in
coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),
other agencies, the private sector, the academe, NGOs and POs shall,
Implementing Rules and Regulations oj the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 41 of 50
establish a National Research and Development Program for the
Prevention and Control of Water Pollution.
24.2 Close coordination with DOST. The Department through the Bureau
shall closely coordinate and facilitate the issuance of joint guidelines.
where necessary, with DOST specifically with respect to research,
investigation, experiments, trainings, surveys and studies relating to the
causes, extent, prevention and control of pollution as part of the National
Research and Development Program for the Prevention and Control of
Water Pollution.
CHAPTER 4
INCENTIVES AND REWARDS
SEC. 25. Rewards. - Rewards, monetary or otherwise, shall be provided to individuals,

private organization and entities, including civil society, that have undertaken outstanding
and innovative projects, technologies, processes and techniques or activities in water quality
management. Said rewards shall be sourced from the Water Quality Management Fund
herein created.
Rule 25. Rewards. Based on fixed criteria, the Department shall establish indicators for
water quality management success. It shall convene an interagency committee
to assess and evaluate nominees for rewards as well as to grant incentives as
provided in Sec. 26 and Rule 26. Whenever it is clearly determined that the
actions of an identifiable entity, group or individual has achieved significant
success or identified a demonstrable project, technology, process or technique
that can cause such success, a nomination for such entity, group or individual
may be made to the interagency group who shall endorse the nomination to the
Secretary for approval. The committee should determine annually what
resources are available for rewards and who is eligible for rewards.
SEC. 26. Incentives Scheme. - An incentive scheme is hereby provided for the purpose of
encouraging LGUs, water districts (WDs), enterprises, or private entities, and individuals,
to develop or undertake an effective water quality management, or actively participate in
any program geared towards the promotion thereof as provided in this Act.
A. Non-fiscal Incentive
1. Inclusion in the Investments Priority Plan (IPP). - Subject to the rules and regulations of
the BOI, industrial wastewater treatment and/or adoption of water pollution control
technology, cleaner production and waste minimization technology shall be classified as
preferred areas of investment under its annual priority plan and shall enjoy the applicable
fiscal and non-fiscal incentives as may be provided for under the Omnibus Investment
Code, as amended.
Fiscal Incentives
1. Tax and Duty Exemption on Imported Capital Equipment - Within ten (10) years
upon the effectivity of this Act, LGUs, WDs, enterprises or private entities shall
enjoy tax-and-duty-free importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts used
for industrial wastewater treatment/collection and treatment facilities: Provided,
That the importation of such machinery, equipment and spare parts shall comply
with the following conditions:
a) They are not manufactured domestically in sufficient quantity, of comparable
quality and at reasonable prices;
b) They are reasonably needed and will be used actually, directly and exclusively
for the above mentioned activities; and
c) Written endorsement by the Department that the importation of such
machinery, equipment and spare parts would be beneficial to environmental
protection and management: Provided, further, That the sale, transfer or
disposition of such machinery, equipment and spare parts without prior
approval of the Board of Investments (BOIs) within five (5) years from the date
of acquisition shall be prohibited, otherwise the LGU concerned, WD, enterprise
or private entity and the concerned vendee, transferee or assignee shall be
solidarity liable to pay twice the amount of tax and duty exemption given it.
2. Tax Credit on Domestic Capital Equipment - Within ten (10) years from the
effectivity of this Act, a tax credit equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of the
value of the national internal revenue taxes and customs duties that would have
been waived on the machinery, equipment, and spare parts, had these items been
imported shall be given to enterprises or private entities and individuals, subject to
the same conditions and prohibition cited in the preceding paragraph.
3. Tax and Duty Exemption of Donations, Legacies and Gifts - All legacies, gifts and
donations to LGUs, WDs, enterprises, or private entities and individuals, for the
support and maintenance of the program for effective water quality management
shall be exempt from donor's tax and shall be deductible from the gross income of
the donor for income tax purposes.
Imported articles donated to, or for the account of any LGUs, WDs, local water
utilities, enterprises, or private entities and individuals to be exclusively used for water
quality management programs shall be exempted from the payment of customs duties and
applicable internal revenue taxes.
Industrial wastewater treatment and/or installation of water pollution control

devices shall be classified as pioneer and preferred areas of investment under the BOI's
annual priority plan and shall enjoy the applicable fiscal and non-fiscal incentives as may
be provided for under the Omnibus Investment Code, as amended.
B. Financial Assistance Program
Government financial institutions such as the Development Bank of the Philippines,

Land Bank of the Philippines, Government Service Insurance System, and such other
government institutions providing financial services shall, in accordance with and to the
extent allowed by the enabling provisions of their respective charters or applicable laws,
accord high priority to extend financial services to LGUs, WDs, enterprises, or private
entities engaged in sewage collection and treatment facilities.
C. Extension of Grants to LGUs

Cities and municipalities which shall establish or operate sewerage facilities may be
entitled to receive grants for the purpose of developing technical capabilities.
Ill
atflOD-0022750
Rule 26. System Of Incentives
26.1 Scope and Procedures. The incentives granted herein shall also be
granted to other equipment associated with water pollution control and
monitoring such as testing devices and kits, technology and domestic
innovations such as gray and black water recycling systems and
constructed wetlands. The Department in coordination with the DTI,
DOF, NEDA and other concerned agencies shall develop the guidelines
on tax incentives provided under the Act within twelve months after the
effectivity of this Rules.
26.2 Financial Assistance Programs. Within twelve months after the

effectivity of these Rules, the Department shall coordinate with
government financial institutions such as the Development Bank of the
Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, Government Service
Insurance System, and such other government institutions providing
financial services concerning possible programs and projects for water
pollution abatement and control and for financial services that these
financial institutions may extend to LGUs, water districts, enterprises, or
private entities engaged in sewage collection and treatment facilities.
26.3 Philippine Environment Partnership Program and Industrial

Ecowatch System. The Philippine Environment Partnership Program
created pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 2003-14 and the
Industrial Ecowatch System under DENR Administrative Order No.
2003-26 which support industry self-regulation and promote mandatory
self-monitoring towards improved environmental performance through
the provision of incentives and packages of assistance shall be applicable
to establishments governed under the Act.
CHAPTER 5
CIVIL LIABILITY/PENAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 27. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are hereby prohibited:
a) Discharging, depositing or causing to be deposited material of any kind directly

or indirectly into the water bodies or along the margins of any surface water,
where, the same shall be liable to be washed into such surface water, either by
tide action or by storm, floods or otherwise, which could cause water pollution
or impede natural flow in the water body;
ÿ
b) Discharging, injecting or allowing to seep into the soil or sub-soil any substance
in any form that would pollute groundwater. In the case of geothermal projects,
and subject to the approval of the Department, regulated discharge for short-
term activities (e.g. well testing, flushing, commissioning, venting) and deep re-
injection of geothermal liquids may be allowed: Provided, That safety measures
are adopted to prevent the contamination of the groundwater;
c) Operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without the valid
required permits or after the permit was revoked for any violation of any
condition therein;
*MDO-OiJ227*'-
d) Disposal of potentially infectious medical waste into sea water by vessels unless
the health or safety of individuals on board the vessel is tbreatened by a great
and imminent peril;
e) Unauthorized transport or dumping into sea waters of sewage sludge or solid
waste as defined under Republic Act No. 9003;
f) Transport, dumping or discharge of prohibited chemicals, substances or
pollutants listed under Republic Act No. 6969;
g) Operate facilities that discharge or allow to seep, willfully or through gross
negligence, prohibited chemicals, substances or pollutants listed under R. A. No.
6969, into water bodies or wherein the same shall be liable to be washed into
such surface, ground, coastal, and marine water;
h) Undertaking activities or development and expansion of projects, or operating
wastewater/sewerage facilities in violation of P.D. No. 1586 and its implementing
rules and regulations;
i) Discharging regulated water pollutants without the valid required discbarge
permit pursuant to this Act or after the permit was revoked for any violation of
any condition therein;
j) Noncompliance of the LGU with the Water Quality Framework and
Management Area Action Plan. In such a case, sanctions shall be imposed on
the local government officials concerned;
k) Refusal to allow entry, inspection and monitoring by the Department in
accordance with this Act;
1) Refusal to allow access by the Department to relevant reports and records in
m) Refusal or failure to submit reports whenever required by the Department in
n) Refusal or failure to designate pollution control officers whenever required by
the Department in accordance with this Act; and
o) Directly using booster pumps in the distribution system or tampering with the
water supply in such a way as to alter or impair the water quality.
Rule 27. Prohibitions andPenalties.
27.1 Elements of the offenses. The following elements constitute the

prohibited acts as provided in the CWA:
a) Pollution of Water body - Discharging, depositing or causing to be

deposited material of any kind directly or indirectly into the water bodies
or along the margins of any surface water, where, the same shall be liable
to be washed into such surface water, either by tide action or by storm,
floods or otherwise, which could cause water pollution or impede natural
flow in the water body;
b) Groundwater pollution - Discharging, injecting or allowing to seep into

the soil or sub-soil any substance in any form that would pollute
groundwater. In the case of geothermal projects, and subject to the
approval of the Department, regulated discharge for short-term activities
(e.g. well testing, flushing, commissioning, venting) and deep re-
injection of geothermal liquids may be allowed: Provided, That safety
measures are adopted to prevent the contamination of the groundwater;
4M00.007/7*
c) Facility discharge without permit - Operating facilities that discharge
regulated water pollutants without the valid required permits or after the
permit was revoked for any violation of any condition therein;
d) Disposal of infectious waste from vessel - Disposal of potentially

infectious medical waste into sea water by vessels (unless the health or
safety of individuals on board the vessel is threatened by a great and
imminent peril:
e) Unauthorized transport - Unauthorized transport or dumping into sea

waters of sewage sludge or solid waste as defined under Republic Act
No. 9003;
f) Chemical dumping - Transport, dumping or discharge of prohibited

chemicals, substances or pollutants listed under Republic Act No. 6969;
g) Illegal facility - Operate facilities that discharge or allow to seep,

willfully or through gross negligence, prohibited chemicals, substances
or pollutants listed under R. A. No. 6969, into water bodies or wherein
the same shall be liable to be washed into such surface, ground, coastal,
and marine water;
h) Sewerage Development/expansion against E1A - Undertaking activities

or development and expansion of/projects, in violation of P.D. No. 1586
and its implementing rules and regulations; or operating
wastewater/sewerage facilities in violation of P.D. No. 1586 and its
implementing rules and regulations;
i) Illegal discharge - Discharging regulated water pollutants without the

valid required discharge permit pursuant to this Act or after the permit
was revoked for any violation of any condition therein.
27.2 The LGUs may employ its power to issue ordinances if any other acts
detrimental to water quality need to be prohibited. It may likewise use
its powers under the Local Government Code to ensure compliance.
27.3 Upon a finding by the PAB of a violation of Sec. 27 of the Clean Water
Act and the determination of its perpetrator, it shall determine the
amount of fine to be imposed, accompanied by all the necessary records
and any physical evidence. The Secretary shall issue the order for the
payment of the fine within 10 days from the PAB recommendation and
cause the order to be served to the perpetrator by personal service or
registered mail.
27.4 The increases in fine shall be applied to the minimum and maximum
amounts and shall automatically be computed to apply every three years
on the date of the effectivity of the law.
27.5 The continuation of the violation for which a daily fine shall be imposed
shall not be construed to be a continuation of the discharge or pollutive
activity but the continuation of the existence of the pollution.
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 92 75) Page 46 of 50 •WOO-OQ2;
Environmental safeguards in Sec. 28 shall include clean-up operations as
provided for in Sec. 16.
27.6 The Secretary upon the recommendation of the PAB (Pollution

Adjudication Board) may issue an order to the Local Water District or
private water supplier to disconnect the water service of the violator.
27.7 Upon verified complaint by any person, or on its own instance, the
Department, shall institute administrative proceedings against any person
who violates standards provided by this act or any order, rule or
regulation issued by it with respect to such standard.
27.8 Official reports, undertaken by the person filing or from inspection teams
shall be sufficient basis of the complaint. Other evidence on the
violation may be presented to the Department. Failure of the party
complained against to appear upon due notice shall not be a bar to the
presentation of evidence in making a decision on the matter presented
before it.
27.9 Such proceedings may be filed with the Pollution Adjudication Board, or
the Environmental Management Bureau or any other agency with
jurisdiction over aspects of the violation or which may revoke or suspend
a given permit such as but not limited to Protected Area Management
Boards, the local government or other local administrative bodies.
SEC. 28. Fines, Damages and Penalties. - Unless otherwise provided herein, any person
who commits any of the prohibited acts provided in the immediately preceding section or
violates any of the provision of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations, shall be
fined by the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the PAB in the amount of not less than
Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) nor more than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00)
for every day of violation. The fines herein prescribed shall be increased by ten percent
(10%) every two (2) years to compensate for inflation and to maintain the deterrent
function of such fines: Provided, That the Secretary, upon recommendation of the PAB may
order the closure, suspension of development or construction, or cessation of operations or,
where appropriate disconnection of water supply, until such time that proper
environmental safeguards are put in place and/or compliance with the Act or its rules and
regulations are undertaken. This paragraph shall be without prejudice to the issuance of an
ex parte order for such closure, suspension of development or construction, or cessation of
operations during the pendency of the case.
Failure to undertake clean-up operations, willfully, or through gross negligence,

shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than two (2) years and not more than four (4)
years and a fine not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) and not more than One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) per day for each day of violation. Such failure or
refusal which results in serious injury or loss of life and/or irreversible water contamination
of surface, ground, coastal and marine water shall be punished with imprisonment of not
less than six (6) years and one (1) day and not more than twelve (12) years, and a fine of
Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) per day for each day during which the omission
and/or contamination continues.
;f'.
*
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275) Page 47 of ou
In case of gross violation of this Act, the PAB shall issue a resolution recommending
that the proper government agencies file criminal charges against the violators. Gross
violation shall mean any of the following:
(a) deliberate discharge of toxic pollutants identified pursuant to Republic

Act No. 6969 in toxic amounts;
(b) five (5) or more violations within a period of two (2) years; or
(c) blatant disregard of the orders of the PAB, such as the non-payment of
fines, breaking of seals or operating despite the existence of an order for
closure, discontinuance or cessation of operation.
In which case, offenders shall be punished with a fine of not less than Five hundred
thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00) per
day for each day of violation or imprisonment of not less than six (6) years but not more
than ten (10) years, or both, at the discretion of the court. If the offender is a juridical
person, the president, manager and the pollution control officer or the official in charge of
the operation shall suffer the penalty herein provided.
For violations falling under Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 979 or any
regulations prescribed in pursuance thereof, such person shall be liable for a fine of not less
than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) nor more than One million pesos (PI,000,000.00) or
by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years or both, for each
offense, without prejudice to the civil liability of the offender in accordance with existing
laws. If the offender is a juridical entity, then its officers, directors, agents or any person
primarily responsible shall be held liable: Provided, That any vessel from which oil or
other harmful substances are discharged in violation of Section 4 of Presidential Decree No.
979 shall be liable for penalty of fine specified in the immediately preceding paragraph and
clearance of such vessel from the port of the Philippines may be withheld until the fine is
paid and such penalty shall constitute a lien on such vessel which may be recovered in
proceedings by libel in rem in the proper court which the vessel may be. The owner or
operator of a vessel or facility which discharged the oil or other harmful substances will be
liable to pay for any clean-up costs.
Provided, finally, That water pollution cases involving acts or omissions committed
within the Laguna Lake Region shall be dealt with in accordance with the procedure under
R. A. No. 4850 as amended.
Rule 28. Graduated Penalty Schedule. The PAB shall formulate a graduated penalty
schedule. Violations committed in non-attainment areas shall be meted the
maximum penalty provided by law.
SEC. 29. Administrative Sanctions Against Non-compliance with the Water Quality
Management Area Action Plan. - Local government officials concerned shall be subject to
administrative sanctions in case of failure to comply with their action plan in accordance
with the relevant provisions of R. A. No. 7160.
Rule 29. Administrative sanctions
29.1 Criminal liability for non-compliance. WQMA Boards or other entities

may file administrative actions against any local government officials
who fail to comply with their action plans in order to force compliance.
or to apply other sanctions specified in the Local Government Code.
CHiR
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA No. 9275/ Page 48 of 50 .'5.
29.2 Implementation problems. In case the action plan is found to be
impossible to implement given available resources, the officials
responsible for it shall take necessary measures to revise it immediately
to make it more realistic, using the same process originally taken.
CHAPTER 6
ACTIONS
SEC. 30. Administrative Action. - Without prejudice to the right of any affected person to
file an administrative action, the Department shall, on its own instance or upon verified
complaint by any person, institute administrative proceedings in the proper forum against
any person who violates:
a) Standards or limitations provided by this Act; or

b) By any such order, rule or regulation issued by the Department with respect to such
standard or limitation.
Rule 30. Filing of complaints. Any person may file a verified complaint with the
Department against any person who violates standards or limitations or any
order, rule or regulation issues under this Act. The proceedings shall follow the
Administrative Code, the Local Government Code and any specific procedures
within the agency to which the respondent is accountable.
CHAPTER 7
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 31. Appropriations. - An amount of One hundred million pesos (PI00,000,000.00)

shall be appropriated from the savings of the National Government to the Department for
the initial implementation of this Act. Thereafter, the amount necessary to effectively carry
out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the
year following its enactment into law and thereafter.
SEC. 32. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department, in coordination with the
Committees on Environment and Ecology of the Senate and the House of Representatives,
respectively and other concerned agencies, shall promulgate the implementing rules and
regulations for this Act, within one (1) year after the enactment of this Act: Provided, That
rules and regulations issued by other government agencies and instrumentalities for the
prevention and/or abatement of water pollution not inconsistent with this Act shall
supplement the rules and regulations issued by the Department, pursuant to the provisions
of this Act.
The draft of the implementing rules and regulations shall be published and be the
subject of public consultations with affected sectors.
ut st
KMQD-Q0227H
*
There shall be a mandatory review of the implementing rules and regulations and
standards set pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 33. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - There is hereby created a Joint
Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor the implementation of the Act and to review
the implementing rules and regulations promulgated by the Department. The Committee
shall be composed of five (5) Senators and five (5) Representatives to be appointed by the
Senate President and the Speaker of the Ho'use of Representatives, respectively. The
Oversight Committee shall be co-chaired by the Chairpersons of the Committee on
Environment of the Senate and the Committee on Ecology of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 34. Repealing Clause. - Presidential Decree No. 984 is hereby repealed. Republic Act
Nos. 6969 and 4850 as amended, Presidential Decree Nos. 1586, 1152, 979 and 856 are
hereby amended and modified accordingly. All other laws, orders, issuance, rules and
regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Rule 34. Repeal of existing rules. The standards set in DAO 34 and 35 shall remain in
effect under the CWA or until such time that a new standard is established by
the Department. DAO 2003-39 and 2004-25 are hereby repealed, the substance
of these rules having been incorporated in this IRR. All other regulations
inconsistent herewith are modified accordingly.
SEC. 35. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or the application of such
provision to any person or circumstances is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of the
Act or the application of such provision to other person or circumstances shall not be
affected by such declaration.
Rule 35. Separability. Should any provision in these implementing rules and regulations
be subsequently declared unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity
or the legality of the other provisions.
SEC. 36. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Rule 36. Effectivity of the rules. These implementing rules and regulations shall take
effect immediately upon filing with the Office of the National Administrative
Register and publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
1,1
06N*
,(*00-00127*0

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Republic of the Philippines

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

SUBJECT: Implementing Rules and Regulations of the

a) To streamline processes and procedures in the prevention, control and abatement of

Rule 2. Interpretation of the Declaration of Policy. The policy statements in Section 2

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a) Aquifer - means a layer of water-bearing rock located underground that transmits

Rule 4, Additional terms used;

4.1 Authorized inspection - means inspection, whether announced or

recommendation of the WTP operator/water district or concessionaire, for

SEC. 5. Water Quality Management Area. - The Department, in coordination with

Said management area shall be governed by a governing board composed of

a) One (1) member shall be a member of the Philippine Bar;

Rule 5. Designation and Management of Water Quality Management Areas (WQMA)

5. 1Procedurefor designation of WQMA ;

5,1.1 Initiating the process of designation. The Regional Offices of the

5.1.2 Other considerations for designation. The Department shall also

5.1.3 Requirementsfor the proposal. The proposal for WQMA designation

5.1.5 Convening of key stakeholders. The Regional Office of DENR shall

5.1.6 Public Consultations. The Department shall disseminate the proposal

5.2 Re-designation of WQMA. When necessary, and only after undertaking

5.3 Membership in the Governing Board.

5.3.1 Appointment of Representatives. National agencies and local

5.3.2 Non-government Members. Within six (6) months from the

5.3.3 Terms of Membership. Members representing national government

5.5 Governing Rules. Governing Rules shall be issued by the individual

5.6 Technical Working Groups. Technical working groups may be formed

SEC. 6. Management of Non-attainment Areas. - The Department shall designate water

6.1.1 Designation of Non-Attainment Areas. Within six (6) months ffom

6.1.2 Review of Area Designation The Department shall revise and/or

6.1.4 Contingency Plan.. The Department shall provide technical

6.2 Existing Pollution Sources In Non-Attainment Areas

6.2.1 Identification of existing sources. The Bureau shall identify, as part

6.2.2 Non-compliance. Pollution sources that are not in compliance with

6.2.3 Naturally Occurring Pollutants. In areas where the concentration of

6.3 New Sources of Water Pollutants in Non-Attainment Areas

6.3.1 Limitation on new sources. No new sources of pollution for the

6.3.3 Effluent Averaging and Effluent Trading. New sources subject to

SEC. 7. National Sewerage and Septage Management Program. - The Department of

7.3 Exemptionsfrom wastewater charges andliabilities. LGUs undertaking

7.4 Provision of Lands and of Rights-of-Way by LGUs. Each LGU,

In areas not considered as HUCs, DPWH in coordination with the Department,

Rule 8. Domestic sewage management.

8.1 Sewerage and Sanitation Projects. All projects/activities involving the

8.2 Pre-treatment Standards. For effluents that go through sewerage

8.3 Mandatory Connection to Existing Sewerage Lines. The DPWH shall

8.4 Role of MWSS and Water Concessionaires in Metro Manila. In case of

8.5 Actions against Non-connection to Available Sewerage System.. The

a) Finance containment and clean-up operations of the government in water pollution

Rule 9. National Water Quality Management Fund

Rule 10. Area Water Quality Management Fund

a) purchase of equipment related to water quality monitoring, reporting

The Department shall provide additional classification based on other parameters

12.3 Monitoring of industries. Once established, the industry specific

(a) To provide strong economic inducement for polluters to modify their

Rule 13. Wastewater Charge System. A wastewater charge system is hereby

Where: R is the rate per kilogram (PhP/kg) which is initially fixed at

Ln (bod5/tss) r [( Cf - Ca ) (Qf xNr)]x 0.00 1

Where: Cf is the average daily effluent concentration limit (mg/1) for