UNDERSTANDING WATER SUPPLIES TYPES OF WATER SOURCES that permits the fluids to pass through but retains the
Why water is important? 1. SURFACE WATER solid particles
- Water is essential for all living organisms, powers - is any body of water found on Earth’s surface, including 4. Disinfection
weather systems, and plays a crucial role in numerous both the saltwater in the ocean and the freshwater in - Water disinfection is a crucial step in water treatment
industrial and agricultural processes. rivers, streams, and lakes that aims to eliminate or deactivate harmful
- health, Access to food, Ecosystem, Climate - Rivers are a major type of surface water. Surface water microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa,
★ WATER COVERS 71 % OF THE EARTH'S SURFACE. 326 MILLION is a key component to the hydrologic cycle making the water safe for consumption and preventing
CUBIC MILES OF WATER ON THE PLANET. 2. GROUNDWATER waterborne diseases.
★ According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 10 - is the water found underground in the cracks and - This process is essential for protecting public health
people in the Philippines still do not have access to spaces in soil, sand and rock. It is stored in and moves and ensuring access to clean water.
improved water sources slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and ★ Water is life, clean water means health.
● WATER SUPPLY rocks called aquifers. What is Water Quality Management?
- Water supply refers to the process of providing water in 3. RAINWATER - Is concerned with the control of pollution from human
a systematic way through installed pups and pipe lines. - Rainwater is essentially pure water, evaporated by the activity so that water is not degraded to the point that is
HISTORY OF WATER SUPPLY sun and returned to Earth, although it can pick up no longer suitable for intended uses.
1. ANCIENT AQUEDUCTS particles and gases in the atmosphere, making it Water Pollutants and Their Sources
- The Romans constructed aqueducts throughout their slightly acidic. ● Waste Tolerance (assimilation)
Republic and later Empire, to bring water from outside - Rainwater is indeed a primary source of water. - The capacity of the environment or a system to absorb
sources into cities and towns. 4. DESALINATION or deal with waste without causing significant harm. It
- Aqueduct water supplied public baths, latrines, - Desalination is the process of removing salts and other can also refer to the limits on the amount or type of
fountains, and private households; it also supported minerals from water, making it suitable for human waste that can be discharged into a specific
mining operations, milling, farms, and gardens. consumption, irrigation, or industrial uses. environment before it becomes detrimental.
2. RAINWATER HARVESTING WATER TREATMENT PROCESS ● Oxygen Demanding Materials
- Rainwater harvesting is collecting the run-off from a 1. Coagulation and Flocculation - Anything that can be oxidized in the receiving water with
structure or other impervious surface in order to store it - Coagulation in water treatment is a chemical process the consumption of dissolved molecular oxygen
for later use. where coagulants are added to destabilize and clump Sustainable Water Management
- Rainwater collection systems can be as simple as together suspended particles, forming larger, heavier ● Nutrients
collecting rain in a rain barrel or as elaborate as flocs that can be easily removed - particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, play a critical role
harvesting rainwater into large cisterns to supply your 2. Sedimentation in water quality management. While they are essential
entire household demand. - Sedimentation in water treatment is a physical process for aquatic life, excessive amounts can lead to
3. MODERN SYSTEM that uses gravity to remove suspended solids from eutrophication, causing harmful algal blooms and
- Modern water system encompasses the infrastructure water. It involves allowing water to stand still in a basin oxygen depletion
and technologies used to collect, treat, and distribute or tank, so heavier particles settle to the bottom, ● Pathogenic Organisms
water to consumers, as well as manage wastewater clarifying the water. - These include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other
- These systems are vital for public health, economic 3. Filtration harmful microbes that can contaminate water sources
activity, and environmental sustainability. - Filtration, the process which solid particles in a liquid or and cause illness when ingested or exposed to. Effective
gaseous fluid are removed by the use of a filter medium water quality management is crucial for minimizing the
presence of these pathogens and preventing waterborne 1. Domestic Waste 6. Oil Industry
diseases. - also known as household waste, refers to the garbage - The oil industry encompasses the global processes
● Suspended Solids and refuse generated by households. It includes a wide involved in extracting, producing, refining, transporting,
- Organic and Inorganic particles carried by wastewater variety of materials, both solid and liquid, resulting and marketing petroleum and its products.
● Heat from daily living activities. Common examples include 7. Aquatic Plants
- (Waste heat) Sometimes called Secondary heat or food scraps, paper, plastic, glass, and wastewater. - Water hyacinth, an aquatic plant causes pollution in
Low-grade heat refers to heat produced by machines, 2. Sewage Waste water.
electrical equipment and industrial processes for which - also known as wastewater, refers to the liquid waste - It is long leaved plant which grows faster in water
no useful application is found. generated by human activities, primarily from domestic bodies and absorbs all essential nutrients from water
Water Quality Management in Lakes sources like toilets, sinks, and showers, but also which is fetal for marine organisms.
● Biological Zones - Determined by the availability of including industrial and stormwater runoff. It contains a - It is also known as 'Terror of Bengal' due to its
light and oxygen mix of organic matter, chemicals, and microbes, which abundance.
● Lake Productivity - Ability to support a food web can pose environmental and health risks if not properly PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR DRINKING WATER (PNSDW)
I. Oligotrophic - Low levels of organic matter - tend to be treated. 2017
deep and clear, oxygen rich bottom supports cold water 3. Solid Waste ● Clean water is a basic right and essential for life.
fish such as trout, Phosphorus is limiting - Solid waste, also known as municipal solid waste (MSW) ● Water contamination causes major health issues.
II. Mesotrophic - more organic matter, oxygen level in lake or trash, encompasses all discarded materials from ● The government created PNSDW to set water safety
bottom is low households, businesses, and institutions. This includes standards.
III. Eutrophic - High levels of organic matter - abundant items like food waste, packaging, and yard waste, but Legal Framework
plant growth, poor clarity, stratified with oxygen poor can also include more specialized waste streams like ● Issued by DOH (Department of Health)
bottoms hazardous waste, healthcare waste, and construction ● Based on Chapter II, PD 856 (Code on Sanitation of the
IV. A dead zone is an area where oxygen level fall below 2 debris. Philippines)
ppm 4. Industrial Waste ● Supported by RA 9275 (Clean Water Act)
Water Pollution - Industrial waste refers to unwanted byproducts from
WHAT IS THE CLEAN WATER ACT?
- Water pollution is defined as the presence of solid, manufacturing, mining, and other industrial processes.
- The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act
liquid, or gaseous contaminants in concentrations that It encompasses a wide range of materials, including
No. 9275) aims to protect the country’s water bodies
alter water quality. solids, liquids, and gases, and can be either hazardous
from pollution from land-based sources (industries and
- It also refers to the addition of excess material or heat or nonhazardous.
commercial establishments, agriculture and
to water that is harmful to living organisms or impairs 5. Acid Rain
community/household activities). It provides for a
the beneficial use of water. - is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when
comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and
Pure Form of Water compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are
minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and
- Precipitation rain that comes in all different forms, released into the air. These substances can rise very
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders
depending on the temperature of the atmosphere. high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with
WHAT ARE THE FINES AND PENALTIES IMPOSED ON POLLUTERS?
- Rain, Snow, Sleet, Hail water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic
- Upon the recommendation of the Pollution Adjudication
Causes of Water Pollution pollutants, known as acid rain.
Board (PAB), anyone who commits prohibited acts such
The principal sources of water pollution resulting from as discharging untreated wastewater into any water
exploration and production operations are: body will be fined for every day of violation, the amount
of not less than Php 10,000 but not more than Php ● Should not have suspended particles or unusual taste ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS)
200,000. Failure to undertake clean-up operations ● It must be pleasant to drink and free from all harmful ● Support water safety plans
willfully shall be punished by imprisonment of not less organisms, chemical substances and radionuclides in ● Monitor small community supplies
than two years and not more than four years. This also amounts which could constitute a hazard to the health ● Coordinate with DOH and other agencies
includes a fine of not less than Php 50,000 and not of the consumer. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
more than Php 100,000 per day of violation. Failure or TYPES OF WATER SOURCES ● Report suspicious water quality
refusal to clean up which results in serious injury or ● Groundwater (e.g., deep wells) ● Use safe water storage practices
loss of life or lead to irreversible water contamination ● Surface water (e.g., rivers, lakes) ● Avoid contaminating community sources
of surface, ground, coastal and marine water shall be ● Rainwater (if collected and treated properly) IMPORTANCE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
punished with imprisonment of not less than 6 years ● Bulk or delivered water sources Safe water reduces risk of:
and 1 day and not more than 12 years and a fine of Php
WHO MUST COMPLY ● Diarrhea
500,000/day for each day the contamination or
● Local water districts ● Cholera
omission continues. In cases of gross violation, a fine
● Private water providers ● Hepatitis A & E
of not less than Php 500,000 but not more than Php
● Water refilling stations Long-term protection from environmental illnesses
3,000,000 will be imposed for each day of violation.
● Government water agencies COMMON CAUSE OF WATER CONTAMINATION
Criminal charges may also be filed.
IMPORTANCE OF REGULATION ● Leaking pipes
Purpose of PNSDW
● Prevent waterborne outbreaks ● Uncovered water tanks
● Protect public health
● Protect vulnerable groups ● Industrial Waste
● Establish guidelines for water safety
● Maintain public trust in drinking water systems ● Agricultural Runoff
● Provide a basis for water monitoring and regulation
WATER TREATMENT ● Human Waste and Sewage
● Support Sustainable Water Management
● Use of filters and disinfection (e.g., chlorine) STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY AWARENESS
● Prevent Waterborne Diseases
● Boiling water in emergencies ● Promote household water safety
● Promote Consistency Nationwide
● Regular cleaning of storage tanks and pipes ● Involve schools and barangays in education drives
SCOPE OF THE STANDARDS
WATER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT ● Community Engagement Projects
● Applies to all drinking water systems Includes: Water
● Secure and protected water sources NATIONAL GOALS FOR SAFE WATER
districts, water refilling stations, private suppliers
● Regular pipe and tank maintenance ● Universal access to safe drinking water
CORE AREAS COVERED
● Prevent entry of contaminants ● Stronger water governance
● Microbiological safety
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROVIDERS ● Improved monitoring and infrastructure
● Physical quality
● Ensure water quality at all times
● Acceptability by consumers
● Educate consumers on safe water handling SUMMARY
● Source protection and system management
● Report issues to the DOH or LGU ● PNSDW 2017 provides national guidance for safe water
MICROBIOLOGICAL STANDARDS
ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) ● PNSDW 2017 focuses on health, quality, and safety
● Water must be free from E. coli and Total Coliform
● Monitor and enforce compliance ● Everyone—from government to individuals—has a role
● These indicate contamination by human or animal waste
● Issue advisories and policies
● Unsafe water can cause diarrhea, cholera, typhoid
● Assist local government and providers
PHYSICAL QUALITY STANDARDS
● Should be clear, colorless, and odorless
IMPORTANCE OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM readily seen and, where practicable, outside the - TREATED WATER IS DIRECTLY PUMPED IN TO THE DISTRIBUTION
What is Water Supply? building. MAIN WITH OUT STORING.
- Water supply is a provision to deliver utilities, ● Communication pipe - any service pipe from the water - ALSO CALLED PUMPING WITHOUT STORAGE SYSTEM.
commercial organizations, community endeavors or by main to the stop valve fitted on the pipe - HIGH LIFTS PUMPS ARE REQUIRED.
individuals, usually via a system of pumps and pipe. ● Service pipe - any pipe for supplying water from a main - IF POWER SUPPLY FAILS, COMPLETE STOPPAGE OF WATER
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF WATER SUPPLY to any premises as is subject to water pressure from SUPPLY.
● Water Quality should not get deteriorated in the that main, or would be so subject but for the closing of - THIS METHOD IS NOT GENERALLY USED.
distribution pipes some stop valve. 3. COMBINES GRAVITY AND PUMPING SYSTEM.
● It should be capable of supplying water at all the ● Distributing pipe - any pipe for conveying water from a - MOST COMMON SYSTEM.
intended places with sufficient pressure head. cistern, and under pressure from that cistern. - TREATED WATER IS PUMPED AND STORED IN AN ELEVATED
● It should be capable of supplying the requisite amount ● Supply pipe - so much of any service pipe which is not a DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIR.
of water during fire fighting communicating pipe. - THEN SUPPLIES TO CONSUMER BY ACTION OF GRAVITY.
● The layout should be such that no consumer would be ● Supply Main - a pipe for general conveyance of water as - THE EXCESS WATER DURING LOW DEMAND PERIODS GET STORED
without water supply, during the repair of any section of distinct from the conveyance to individual premises. IN RESERVOIR AND GET SUPPLIED DURING HIGH DEMAND
the system ● •Hot water cylinder or tank - a closed container for hot PERIOD.
● All the distribution pipes should be preferably laid one - ECONOMICAL, EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE SYSTEM.
water under more than atmospheric pressure. Note: a
meter away or above the sewer line LAYOUTS OF DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
cylinder is deemed to include a tank
● It should be fairly water-tight as to keep due to leakage ● The distribution pipes are generally laid below the road
● Potable Water - water suitable for drinking.
to minimum pavements, and as such their layouts generally follow
● Fitting - anything fitted or fixed in connection with the
TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WATER SUPPLY the layouts of roads.
supply, measurement, control, distribution, utilization or
● Cistern - a container for water having a free water ● There are, in general, four different types of pipe
disposal of water.
surface at atmospheric pressure. networks; any one of which either singly or in
TWO TYPE OF DISTRIBUTION FOR A BUILDING
● Feed cistern - any storage cistern used for supplying combinations, can be used for a particular place.
1. COMMUNICATION PIPE: THE PIPE WHICH RUNS FROM THE
1. Dead End System
cold water to a hot water apparatus. MUNICIPAL DISTRIBUTION MAINS TO THE BOUNDARY OF THE
- One main line is divided into sub-lines and then into
● Storage cistern - any cistern other than a flushing PREMISES.
branches. It is suitable for old towns and cities having
cistern, having a free water surface under atmospheric 2. SUPPLY PIPE: THE PIPE WHICH RUNS INSIDE THE PREMISES IS
no definite pattern of roads.
pressure, but not including a drinking trough or CALLED AS SUPPLY PIPE/CONSUMERS PIPE
Advantages:
drinking bowl for animals. THREE TYPE OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR A TOWN
● Relatively cheap.
● Water line - a line marked inside the cistern to indicate 1. GRAVITY SYSTEM
- SUITABLE WHEN SOURCE OF SUPPLY IS AT SUFFICIENT HEIGHT. ● Determination of discharges and pressure easier due to
the water level at which the ball valve should be
- MOST RELIABLE AND ECONOMICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. less number of valves.
adjusted to shut off.
- THE WATER HEAD AVAILABLE AT THE CONSUMER IS JUST Disadvantages:
● Overflowing level - the lowest level at which water can
MINIMUM REQUIRED. ● Due to many dead ends, stagnation of water occurs in
flow into that pipe from a cistern.
- THE REMAINING HEAD IS CONSUMED IN THE FRICTIONAL AND pipes.
● Warning pipe - an overflow pipe so fixed that its outlet
OTHER LOSSES. ● Water may not be free flowing due to large no. of dead
end is in an exposed and conspicuous position and
2. PUMPING SYSTEM ends.
where the discharge of any water from the pipe may be
2. Radial System
- The area is divided into different zones. The water is
pumped into the distribution reservoir kept in the
middle of each zone. The supply pipes are laid radially
ending towards the periphery.
Advantages:
● It gives quick service.
● Calculation of pipe sizes is easy.
● Most Suitable for Towns having radial roads.
3. Grid Iron System
- It is suitable for cities with rectangular layout, where
the water mains and branches are laid in rectangles.
Advantages:
● Water is kept in good circulation due to the absence of
dead ends.
● In the cases of a breakdown in some section, water is
available from some other direction
● Less Head loss.
Disadvantages:
● Exact calculation of sizes of pipes is not possible due to
provision of valves on all branches.
● This System is expensive due to higher lengths of pipes
required.
4. Ring System
- The supply main is laid all along the peripheral roads
and sub mains branch out from the mains. This system
also follows the grid iron system with the flow pattern
similar in character to that of dead end system. So,
determination of the size of pipes is easy.
Advantages:
● Water can be supplied to any point from at least two
directions.
● There and no dead ends.
