DEPARTMENT.

OF HEALTH
ENVIRONMENTAL IIEALTH SERVICE
Manila, Philippines
1995

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND

REGULATIONS OF CHAPTER Il
PRINTED IN COOPERATION WITH

unicefG
United Nations Children's Fund
WATER SUPPLY
NOT FOR SALE OF THE CODE ON
SANITATION OF THE PHILIPPINES
(P.D. 856)
 lmple·menting Rules and Regulations of
Chapter Il - "Water Supply~' of the Code
on Sanitation of the Philippines
(P.D. 856)

Table of Contents
Page No.
. Section 1 : Scope . . •. . . . . . . . .. •. . . . .. . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . .. •. .. . . . . . . . . . 1
Section 2: Definition of Terms ............................... 1
Section 3: Prescribed Standards and Procedures ...... 4
Section 4: Approval and Permit ............................. 13
Section 5: Types of Water Examination Required .... 15
Section 6: Submission of Water Samples for
Laboratory Examination ....................... 15
Section 7: Other Protective Measures .................... 16
Section 8: Special Provisions .................. , ............. 16
Section 9: Penal Provision ..................................... 18
Section 10: Separability Clause ............................... 19
Section 11: Repealing Clause .................................. 1 9
Section 12: Effectivity ........................................... 19
 30 October 1995 10. Doubtful Source - a water supply facility or source that is subject to re-
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF CHAPTER 11- "WATER contamination (e.g. open dug well, unimproved spring, surface water).
'SUPPLY" OF THE CODE ON SANITATON OF THE PHILIPPINES (P.O. 856)
11. Drilled Well - a well constructed by percussion or rotary drills.
To carry out the provfsions of Chapter Il - "Water Supply" of the Code on Sanita-
12. Drinking Water - water intended for direct human consumption or for use in
tion of the Philippines, these rules and regulations are hereby formulated for imple-
food preparation.
mentation and strict compliance of ail concerned.
13. Driven Well - a well constructed by driving an iron pipe with a well point at
SECTION 1 SCOPE lower end into the ground water bearing stratum.

These implementing rules and regulations shall apply to ail public and private water 14. Dug Weil - a well normally circular or rectangular in shape, with diameter
supply system project planned by any government agency or instrumentality includ- ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters. After the well is dug, it is necessary to put a
ing government-owned or controlled corporations, private organizations, firms, in- lining made of permanent materials like masonry, brickworks of reinforced
dividuals or other entities. concrete which serve as protection against surface or outside contamination.
An open dug well shall mean a well dug manually or mechanically to draw
SECTION 2 DEFINITION OF TERMS water by use of bucket or any container attached to a rope.
C.
15. Groundwater - that portion of the rainwater which has percolated into the
As used in these rules and regulations, the terms below shall be defined as follows:
earth to form underground deposits called aquifers.
1, Artesian Weil - a well where water is confined under hydrostatic pressure
16. Level 1(point source) - a protected well or a developed spring with an outlet
between two relatively impervious layers such as rock formations.
but without distribution system, generally adaptable for rural areas where the
2. Bored well - a well constructed by manually driven augers into the ground. houses are thinly scattered. A Level I facility normally serves around 15
households.
3. Cistern - a water-tight tank used to store water.
17. Level Il (communal faucet system or standposts)- a system composed of a
4. Coliform Organisms - any rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, gram negative bac- source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network and communal faucets,
teria capable of growth in the presence of bile salts, or other surface-active generally suitable for rural and urban fringe areas where houses are clustered
agents with similar growth-inhiblting properties which are cytochrome-oxidaze densely to justify a simple piped system. Usually, one faucet serves 4 to 6
negative and able to ferment lactose at either 35°C or 37°C with the produc- households.
tion of acid, gas and aldehyde within 24-48 hours.
18. Level Ill (waterworks system or individual house connections) - a system
5. Complete Treatment - a series or combination of water treatment processes with a source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network and household taps,
which shall include coagulation, adsorption, sedimentation, slow and rapid generally suited for densely populated urban areas. ·
sand filtration, aeration and chlorination.
19. Local Health Authority - a government official or employee responsible for
6. Contamination - a general term referring to the introduction of materials not the application of a prescribed health measure in a local political.subdivlsion.
normally.. found in water that make the water less desirable or unfit for its lt is the provincial governor, city or municipal mayor, as the case maybe.
intended use.
20. Local Health Officer - the provincial, city or municipal health officer.
7. Deep Well - a well with depth greater than 20 meters constructed in areas
characterized by aquifers or water-bearing formations generally located at a 21. MPN (Most Probable Number) - a statistical method of determining microbial
depth of more than 20 meters below ground surface. populations. A multiple dilution tube technique is utilized with a standard
medium and observations are made for specific individual tube effects.
8. Department - the Department of Health. Resultant coding is translated by mathematical probability tables into population
numbers.
9. Disinfection - water treatment processes designed to destroy disease-caus-
ing organisms. The efficacy of disinfection is often asessed by measuring the 22. Pipe Unes - pipes used to transport water.
coliform group of indicator organism.
 35. Test Well - an excavation made to determine the quality and quantity of
23. Polluted Water - water whose physical, chemical, bacteriological, biological water.
and radioactive properties have been altered due to the presence of domestic
sewage, industrial waste or other substances in water that are possibly 36. Water Hauler - any persan, firm or company who transports, stores, delivers
objectionable or harmful to human lives. and operates equipment used to transport or deliver water for human
consumption.
24. Potable Water/Safe Drinking Water - water that is free of microorganisms or
disease-producing bacteria {pathogens). ln addition, the water should not 37. Water Supplier- any entity, government or private company, responsible for
possess undesirable taste, odor, color, levels of radioactivity, turbidity or source development, water abstraction, treatment and distribution of water.
chemicals and it should pass the standards of the Philippine National Standards
for Drinking Water. 38. Weil - a man made hole used for recovering ground water from the water
bearing strata by digging, boring, d~illing or by any other method.
25. Public or Private Water Supply Sytem - a government or private owned system
for the provision of potable water for human consumption. The water system 39. Well Driller - an individual, partnership, corporation, cooperative and the like
could either be of Level 1 (point source), Level Il (communal) or Level Ill who undef1ake well drilling work or. activitles for the purpose of extracting
(waterworks) type. The system includes a) any collection, treatment, storage ground water.
and distribution facilities under the contrai of the operator of such system
and used primarily in connectlon thereto: and b) any collection, pre- SECTJON3 PRESCRIBED STANPARDS AND PROCEDURES
tr~atment, or storage facilities not under the contre/ of the operator of the
system which are used primarily in connection with such system.
3.1 Standard Parameters and Values for Drinking Water
26. Reservoir - a pond, lake or basin, either natural or artificial, designed for
storage, regulation and contrai of water. Before water is used, distributed o~ sold for drinking, it should pass the criteria
on standard parameters and valu,s for bacteriological, physical, chemical,
27. Sanitary Engineer - a persan duly registered with the Board of Examiners for biological and radiological quality set by the Philippine National Standards for
Sanitary Engineers (A.A. 1364} and who heads the sanitation division or section Drinking Water.
or unit of the provincial/city/municipal health office or employed with the
Department of Health or its regional field.health units. 3.2 Water Treatment

28. Sanitary Seal - a mixture of cernent and water placed in the annular space of Treatment is necessary so as to render water supply potable. The degree and
the well casing and drillhole to seal space and about 3 meters deep to prevent manner of treatment will depend on the quality of the raw water, however,
the intru~ion of water. the bacteriological quality shall be used as the main criterion. No water supplier
shall be allowed to operate water system for public use unless necessary
29. Sanitary Survey - an activity to inspect and investigate the existing treatment has been provided.
environmental conditions around the water source which may affect the quality
of the water. For the purpose of classifying and evaluating raw-water quality with respect
toits treatment requirements, the following criteria shall be used:
30. Sanitation lnspector - a government official or personnel employed by the
national, provincial, city or municipal government, who enforces sanitary rules, 1. Group 1. Water Requlring DisinfectionOnly: Water from underground or
laws and regulations and implements environmental sanitation activities under surface sources subject to a low degree of contamination, anâ having a
the supervision of the provincial/city/municipal health officer/sanitary engineer. MPN of coliform organisms not exceeding 50 per 100 ml.

31. Secretary - the Secretary of Health. 2. Group l!. WaterRequiringCompleteTreatment:Waterfrom underground

or surface sources having a MPN of coliform organisms 50 per 100 ml.
32. Shallow Well - a well measured from the natural ground surface with a depth to riot more than 5,000 per 100 ml.
of not more than 20 meters.
3.3 Water Disinfection
33. Springs - ground water seepage visible at the earth's surface due to hydrostatic
gradient or head.

34. Surface Water- a mixture of surface run-off and groundwater. Surface sources
include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds and impounding reservoirs.
a. Disinfection of water supp!y facilities shall be required for the following: 1. Appropriate chlorination equipment shall be installed to ensure
continuous and effective disinfection.
1. Newly constructed water supply facilities.
a. Chlorination equipment shalf have a capacity of at least 50%
2. Water supply facility that has been repaired/improved.
greater than the highest expected dosage to be applied at
3. Ali existing water facilities that exceeded the bacteriological value anytime to attain satisfactory operation.
set by the Philippine National Standards for Drin king Water.
b. Automatic proportioning of chlorine dosage to the rate of
4. Ali water facilities that require continuous disinfection. flow of treated water shall be provided at ail plants where
rate of flow varies more than 50% above or below the
5. Drinking water collected from a doubtful source. average flow. Manual contrai is permissibfe when rate of flow
is relativefy uniform or an attendant is present to effect dosage
b. Disinfectant
adjustments.
Chlorine shall be used as main water disinfectant. Other disinfectant
c. Standby units shall be provided to ensure continuous operation.
shall be used provided that it has residual effect to ensure disinfecting
capacity in the distribution system. d. Solution of calcium hypochlorite shall be prepared in a separate
mixing tt;ink, diluted and allowed to settle so that only clear
.c. Responsible Agencies/Persons for Disinfection
supernatant liquid is withdrawn from the solution storage tank
Water disinfection shall be the responsibility of the following as shown and to the chlorinator.
on the table:
e. Devices and instruments for the determination of the amount
of daily chlorine dosage and chlorine residual shall be provided.
d. Requirements for Chlorination of Level Il and Ill Water Supplies.
2. Suitable gas mask or self-contained type breathing apparatus and
Type of Water Agencies/Persons Persan a small bottle of fresh ammonia solution to test for chlorine leakage
Supply Responsible for Responsible shall be provided and shall be accessible outside the chlorination
Disinfection room.

3. - Safety measures for gas chlorination equipment and chlorine storage

Public Level 1 BWSA, Barangay Caretaker with
shall include a separate building or room !l,IJbject to the approval of
(wells,·springs) Official and Sanîtation
the Department of Health.
Local Health lnspector (SI)
Agency 4. Adequate floor lever ventilation shall be provided for all enclosures
where chlorine is being fed or stored.
Levels Il & Ill Water Supplier Waterworks
(e.g. MWSS, LWUA Personnel 5. Free residual chlorine shall be maintained between 0.20 to 0.50
or water district} ppm until water reaches the consumer and the farthest point in
the distribution system.
Private Wells lndividual/ Owner Private Owner
withSI
technical e. Requirements for Complete Chlorination of Level I Water Supply Facility
assistance
1. A dose of 50-100 ppm chlorine solution shall be used in °disinfecting
Level I water supply facility, (See Annex - Chlorlne Requirement
to have 50-1 00 ppm dosage)

2. The persan who will conduct the chlorinatjon shaH observe persona!
hygiene and must be free from communicable disease.

3. Procedures to follow on disinfection.

 c. Spring
a. lmproved Dug Weil.

Scrub interior walls of the·casing or lining and splash i. Disinfection of spring intake box is similar ta the
i.
with chlorine solution (50-100 ppm) to ensure thorough procedure used for improved dug wells.
contact of solut,ionto the-surface. ii. If the flow cannot be controlled, continuous supply of
~

Wash the exterior surface of the pump cylinders and disinfectant shall be provided.
ii.
drop pipe with chlorine solution as the assembly is d. Cistern
lowered into the well.
i. The cistern shall be thoroughly cleaned by using a stiff
iii. Return caver of the well and pour chlorine solution brush or broom to clean interior wells.
through a manhole or pipe sleeve opening before
inserting the pump cytinder and drop pipe assembly. After ii. Drain and caver the cistern.
setting the pump, draw out water from the well until
strong odor of chlorine is noted. iii. Fill the cistern with adequate potable water and add
50-100 ppm chlorlne solution.
iv. After 1 2 hours, flush out well water by pumping water
iv. Pump water from the cistern and note the presence of
. to waste untilthe drawn water is free from chlorine
odors. Rinse the exterior surface and the pump cylinder strong chlorine odor in the entire water distribution
with potable water. system.

Drilled, Driven and Bored WeUs v. Retain the disinfectant in the cistern for 24 hours then
b.
examine for residual chlorine and drain.
i. Slowly pour ch!orine solution into the well just before
installing the permanent pumping equipment. Dilution vi. Flush the system with potabîe water to remove all traces
of chlorine is faci!itaJed by alternately raising or lowering of chlorine.
the waterhose or pipe line. f. Requirements for Household Container Disinfection
ii. Wash the exterior surface of the pump cylinders and 1.· Procedures to Follow
drop pipe with chlorine solution as the assembly is
lowered into the well. 1.1 Prepare a stock solution by dissolving 1 level teaspoon of
powder Chlorine compounds (65 to 75% available chlorine)
m. After the pump has been set, operate the pump until to one liter of water. This stock solution is effective only for
water is discharged. one week.
iv. Allow chlorine solution to remain in the well for 12 hours. 1.2 Add two teaspoons of stock solution to 5 gallons (20 liters)
For deep well, a special method maybe employed as of water. Mix thoroughly and let it stand for at least 30
follows: minutes before using.
Place the granulated calcium hypochlorite in a eut short 3.4 Standard Construction and Operating Procedures
pipe capped at both ends. Small hales are dril!ed at each
cap or sides of the pipe. One cap is fitted with an eye a. Ground Water Source
for cable attachment. Disinfecting agent is diffused by
vertical movement of the eut short pipe. 1. Well

After 12 hours, draw out well water. The pump is to be 1 .1 The location of well site shall conform with the following
V.
operationàl when pumped water is free from chlorine requirements:
odor.
 a. No well site shall be located within a distance of 1.5 ln ail cases, provide a concrete apron at least 2 meter
less than 25 meter radius on fiat areas from sewage square around the well head, sloped not Jess than 2%
treatment plant, sewage wet well, sewage to drain away excess water.
pumping station, or a drainage ditch which contains 1 .6 Provide vent with #16-mesh corrosion resistant screen,
industrial waste discharges or wastes from ~ faced downward and elevated to minimize drawing of
sewage treatment systems, sanitary landfill or land contaminants into the well. Séal well heads and pump
irrigated by sewage treatment plant effluent, bases using gaskets, sealing compounds and proper
sanitary sewers, septic tanks, cesspools, open- venting to prevent possible contamination to the well
jointed drain-fields, animal feed lots or livestock in water.
pastures, dump grounds, especially in limestone
areas. Storm and sanitary sewers located within 1.7 A complete physical and chemical analysis of water from
specified distances shall be so constructed as to a new well shall be conducted after 36 hours of pumping
prevent leakage. out of water is done.
b. The driling of water well within 50 meter distance 1.8 If the results show that the water is bacteriologically
from a cemetery is prohibited. positive ( +), appropriate water treatment facilities shall
be provided, otherwise the well shall be abandoned. The
. 1.2 During drilling operation, the following requirements shall
be observed:
well shall be disinfected in accordance with the standard
requirements set by these implementing rules and
a. The premises, materials, tools, and drilling regulations. Collect two water samples for two week
equipment shaU be properly maintained to minimize interval for bacteriological analysis.
contamination of underground water. 1.9 When contamination of a well water source has been
b. Water used in drilling operation shall be potable. confirmed by laboratory test and the sources of
contamination is definitely known but cannot be
c. Slush pit shall be constructed and maintained to removed, the well must be condemned. The well opening
minimize contamination of the drilling mud. must be plugged or sealed with concrete or other similar
materials. If used for other purposes like watering
d. Approved type of pit privy or toilet facilities for gardens and washing clothes a signboard marked
use of drilling personnel shall be provided. These "WATER UNFIT FOR DRINKING" shall be installed.
facilities shall be located 25 meters from the well
being drilled. Upon completion of the constructed 1.10 Pump site, rapid pump room location and pump
well, toilet facilities if temporarily constructed shall installation:
be removed in a satisfactory manner. No temporary
and permanent toilet faciliti~s shall be maintained a. Ali completed well units shall be preferably
within 25 meters from the well being constructed protected by fences, the gates provided with locks,
unless they are of the sealed or leak proof types. or enclosed to prevent possible contamination or
damage of facilities by trespassers ..
1.3 Casing materials used in the construction of public wells
shall conform with the American Standards for Testing b. The well site shall be properly graded to insure
Materials (ASTM). The casing shall extend at least to proper ground maintenance and to draw off
the depth of the shallowest water formation or deeper surface water effectively from the well, ln all
if necessary to omit undesirable water bearing stràta. cases, provide a system that draws off water from
the pump well, leakage from packed gravel, and
1.4 The annular space between the casing and the drill hole floor drainage, by installing suitable drain pipes
shall be sealed with neat cernent grout to the minimum located at the edge of the concrete floor to prevent
depth of 3.0 meters for shallow wells and 10.0 m for ponding around the well head. This waste water
deepwells. shall be properly disposed. Drains shall not be
directly connected to storm or sanitary sewers.
 c. ln water supply installation at subground level, j. Washing and bathing within 25 meters radius of the
pump rooms and pump pits are prohibited. Pump spring is prohibited.
room floor shall be at least 60 cm. above the
highest known flood level and/or adequately k. Protecton of the entire catch ment area is a must. No
protected from possible damage by flood waters. dwellings shall be constructed within the catchment area
fi and it shall be off-limits to people and animais.
2. Spring
1. Collect water samples regularly as prescribed by the
a. lntake box or enclosure must be watertight, made of
'.)) Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.
concrete, vitrified tile or other material extending to
the water bearing strata down to the bed rocks or other 3.5 Monitoring Scheme
impervious formations. The local health authority shall establish a Water Surveillanc~ Program
b. The intake box must be provided with a water tight thru the creation of Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee
caver which extends over the top edge of the spring to oversee the operation of the water systems and the quality of water
box at least 50 mm. produced and distributed by them and to monitor the implementation of
the provisions of these implemel')ting rules and regulations.
c. A drain pipe with an exterior valve is to be placed close
to the sring box near the bottom. The pipe shall extend a. Composition

' horizontally so as to clear the normal ground level at The Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee shall be
the point of discharge by at least 150 mm. The discharge composed of but not limited to representatives from:
end of the pipe shall be screened to prevent the entrance
of redents or insects. i. Municipal/City Health Authority•Chairmân

d. The spring is to be provided with screened overflow ii. Rural Health Unit/City Health Department
pipe located slightly below the maximum water level
elevation. A drain apron is to be provided to prevent soil iii. Water Districts/Private Water Suppliers
erosion at the point of overflow discharge. iv. Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlungsod/Bayan
e. The supply outlet from the developed spring is to be v. Municipal/City Engineer's Office
located about 150 mm. above the drain outlet and
screened. vi. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Representative (CENRO)
f. Manhole opening shall have a watertight curb with edges
projecting a minimum of 100 mm. above the level of vii. Non-Govemment Organizations and Professional Groups
the surrounding surface. The edges of the manhole cover Related to Health and Sanitation
shall overlap the curb and project downward a minimum
of 50 mm. viii. DOH Representative to the Local Health Board
g. Care shall be taken in casting openings to insure ix. Provincial Health Office (Provincial Sanitary Engineer)
watertight connection between the wall and the
openings. b. Functions of the Committee
:I
h. A drainage ditch located at least 25 meters away on The committee shall be responsible for:
the uphill side of the spring sha11 be constructed to prevent J i. Regular collection/analysis of water samples;
contamination and flooding of the water source.
i. The intake box shall be properly enclosed preferably ii. Evaluating laboratory results as to their compliance to
constructed of strong materials. The height of the fence standards;
shall be at least 1-1 /2 meter high. The enclosed area
shall be maintained clean to eliminate harborage and iii. Conducting regular or immediate sanitary survey during
breeding of insects. the existence of a potential cause of contamination;
 1v. lnstituting remedial measures to correct the deficiency c. Resumptions of the Operation of Water Supply System.
of the water system; 1. ln cases when water supply is found to be unsafe or unfit for human
v. lnforming the public of the latest quality of the drinking- consumption, the operator of the system, shall be ordered to:
water in the locality; and a. Stop temporarily to màke necessary corrections within a specified
vi. Pe.rforming other functions related to water qua/ity period.
assurance. b. Provide substantial quantity and good quality of water to the
affected consumers during the correction period. Failure to provide
SECTION4 APPROVAL AND PERMIT emergency water supply shall be subjected to fines and penalties.
A permission to re-operate from the local health. authority upon
The approval of the Secretary or that of his duly authorized representative is required the recommendation of the local health office shall be given only
under each of the following cases: when all defects have been corrected and the water found safe
for drinking and domestic use.
a. Sites of Water Sources before their Construction.
d. Plans and Specifications of Water Systems of Subdivision and Projects prior
Any person who intends to drill, construct, alter or repair water supply system, to the Construction of Housing Units thereat.
shall secure a Drin king Water Site Clearance from the local health authority
prier to the start of the work. The approval of the application shall be based 1. To obtain approval for the construction of any water supply system, the
t>n the recommendations made by the local health officer after the conduct of applicant shall submit the plans and specifications of the proposed
the sanitary survey. The sanitary survey report shall contain all pertinent systems, and satisfy the standard requirements of these implementing
information concerning the water source and possible sources of contamination. rules and regulations. Plans and specifications shall be pl'epared by a
registered civil/sanitary engineer, the seal, signature and registration
Major water supply projects particularly of surface water sources that fall number of the engineer or the engineering firm shall be imprinted on
under the Environmental Impact Statement System are exempted from site each sheet of the plan.
clearance requirements, provided an Environmental Health Impact Assessment
has been conducted as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. 2. An engineering report or feasibility study of the new system Shall be
submitted with or priorto the submission of the plans and specifications.
If the work on the individual water supply system failed to commence within
six (6) months from date of issuance, the site clearance shall automatically The report cave.rage shall include the following items.
expire.
2.1 Statement of the problem or problems.
b. Delivery of Water to Consumers from New or Recently Repaired Water
Systems. 2.2 Present and future areas to be served, with population data.

Permit to deliver water to consumers from new or recently repaired water 2.3 The source, quantity and quality of water.
systems shall be granted only if: 2.4 Present and estimated future maximum and minimum water
1. Final inspection by the local health officer proves that the water supply quantity demands.
system was constructed in accordance with the submitted plans and 2.5 Description of the proposed site and the immediate surroundings
specifications. of the waterworks units.
2. The disinfection of water supply system conformed with Section 3.3 - 2.6 The type of water treatment, equipment and capacity of units.
Water Disinfection of these rules and regulations.
2. 7 Basic design data, pumping capacity, water storage, and flexibility
3. Results of laboratory analysis proved that the water quality meets the of.system operation.
Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.
2.8 Adequacy of facilities concerning volume/quantity and pressures
4. The water supplier or the owner of the completed water supply system in the whole system.
shall notify the local health officer of the completed system.
 2.9 Cost estimate of the tacilities and source of funds for the project. b. Any person, firm or corporation desiring to establish or operate and maintain
2.1 O Sustainability and maintenance. . a water analysis laboratory shall apply to the Bureau of Research and
Laboratories - Department of Health through the Regional Field Health Office.·
3. For subdivision having groundwater source, report on the estimated Approval of the- accreditation shall be based on the prescribed requirements
specitic yield of the aquifer and other results of the pumping tests shall of the Department as stated in Administrativ_e Order No. 31 series 1979,
be submitted together with the borehole logs. Water laboratories maybe accredited for separate services Üke bacteriological,
chemical, radiological, physical, biological or for a combiriation of two or more
4. Two (2) sets of all plans and drawings shall be submitted which: or all of these services.
4. 1 lndicate location of all facilities pertinent to the specific project.

4.2 If phase construction is anticipated, the overall plan shall be SECTION 7 ; OTHER PROTECTIVE MEASURES
presented, though a portion of the construction is approved.
Ta protect drinking water from contamination, the following measures shall be
4.3 A plan of the subdivision or other housing projects ta be served. observed:
e. Certification of the Potabi!ity of Drînking Water a. Washing clothes or bathing within a radius of 25 meters from any well or
No public water system shall be allowed ta operate without a Certificate of other source of drinking water is prohibited.
P'otability issued by the Secretary of Health or his duly authorized b. No artesians, deep or shallow well, shall be constructed within 25 meters
representative. This certificate is issued only after the required examinations from any source of pollution.
are performed and the quality of water from the system meets the requirements
of the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water. c. No radioactive source or IT)aterial shall be stored within a radius of 25 meters
from any well or source of drinking water unless the radioactive source is
The certificate is re-validated every after examinations based on the standard adequately and safely enclosed by proper shielding.
interval or frequency of sampling.
d. No persan charged with the management of a public water supply system
SECTION 5 : TYPES OF WATER EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED shall permit any physical connection between its distribution system and that
The following examinations are required for drinking water: of any other water supply, unless the latter is regularly examined as toits
quality oy those in charge of the public supply to which the connection is
a. Initial examination - the physical, chemical and bacteriological examinations made and found ta be potable.
of water from newly constructed systems or sources are required before
they are operated and opened for public use. Examination of water for possible e. The installation of a booster pump from the water distribution line of a water
radioactive contamination should also be done initially. supply system is prohibited.

b. Perîodic examination - water from existing sources is subject to bacteriological

examination as often as possible but the interval shall not be longer than six SECTION 8 SPECIAL PROVISIONS
months, while the general systematic physico-chemical examination shall be
conducted every 12 months or oftener. Examination of water sources shall a. Water Peddlers and Haulers
be conducted yearly for possible radioactive contamination.
1. Sanitary Permit
SECTION 6 SUBMISSION OF WATER SAMPLES FOR LABORATORY
EXAMINATION Any person, firm or company engaged in water haufrng and vending of
water for human consumption shall secure a sanitary permit from city/
a. The examination of samples of drinking water shall be performed only in municipal health officer based on the requirements of these ru les and
laboratories (private/government) whièh are duly licensed and accredited by regulations.
the Department of Health. lt is the responsibility of operators of water systems
ta submit ta accredited laboratories water samples for examination in a manner
and at intervals prescribed in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking
Water.
 2. Health Certificate 6. Lead pipes shalt not be used in any part of the drinking water systems.

Water peddlers and haulers shall undergo physical and medical 7. Communal drinking glasses shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized
examinations to obtain a health certificate from the local health officer before every use. Paper/plastic disposable individual drinking cups shall
which shall be renewed every year. Water haulers and peddlers without be properly disposed after each use. Drinking fountains may be provided
health certificates or with expired health certificates shall be prohibited by in accordance with the Department of Health standards and
from water hauling and peddling. specifications.

3. Source of Water 8. A warnlng sign, "NOT FOR DRIN KING", shall be permanently posted on
tap hydrant or faucet with unsafe water.
Water peddlers/haulers are required to obtain water from sources with
valid Certificate of Potability as specified in Section 4 of these 9. Non-potable water shall not be permitted in the galleys or kitchen.
implementing rules and regulations.
1O. The pipes and storage tanks of the drinking water supply system shall be
4. Water Containers painted aqua blue and "DRIN KING WATER" or "!NUMING TUBIG printed 11

bold in contrasting colors.

Water containers shall be made of plastic or tin materials and so designed
to facilitate easy cteaning. The containers shall be cleaned and disinfected 11. Vessels shall maintain free residual chlorine between 0.20 ppm to 0.50
. before they are filled with water and shall be provided with tight-fitting
covers.
ppm in drinkîng water. This shall be checked randomly by the local health
officer or quarantine medical officer, as the case maybe.

5. Personal Hygiene 12. Monitoring of storage tanks as to cleanliness shall be conducted every
quarter by the local health officer or quarantine medical officer, as the
Ali water peddlers and haulers shall be required to observe proper persona! case maybe.
hygiene especially washing of hands with soap and water before working
and after using the toilet.
SECTION 9 PENAL PROVISION
J. Drinking Water on Vessels
a. Any person who shall violate, disobey, refuse, omit or neglect to comply with
1. Vessels crulsing from one point to another shall carry adequate supply any of.the provisions of these implementing rules and regulations, shall be
of potable drinking water for the use of the crew and passengers. guilty of misdemeanor and upori convicton shall be punished by imprisonment
for a period of not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine of not exceeding
2. Drinking water shall be obtained from water sources with certificate of
potability and stored in tanks specified in the next paragraph. P1 ,000.00 or both depending upon the discretion of the court.

3. The storage tanks shall be water tight and independent of the hull of the b. Any person who shall interfere or hinder, or oppose any officer, agent or
vessel. A drain valve attached to the bottom of the tank shall discharge member of the Department of Health or of the bureaus and offices under it,
into the interior of the vessel. Manholes, inlets or openings of such tanks provincial, city or municipal health officers, sanitary engineers and sanitation
shall be securely provided with caps, flanges, covers and gaskets. Soil, inspectors in the performance of his duty as provided for under these rules
waste, vent or drain pipes shall not pass through any water storage and regulations, or shall tear down, mutilate, deface or alter any placard, or
tank. The water storage shall be clearly marked FOR DRIN KING WATER
11

notice, affixed to the premises in the enforcement of these rules and regulations
ONLY".
shall be guilty of misdemeanor and punishable upon conviction by imprisonment
4. A water storage tank shall be emptied, cleaned, drained and flushed for a period of not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine not exceeding
every quarter. P1 ,000.00 or both depending on the discretion of the court.
5.' The drinking water shall be handled in accordance with the following
procedures: A. hase or pipe used to transport drinking water in a vessel
shall not be used for any other purposes. lt shall be handled and maintained
in a sanitary manner. The hose end when not in use shall be plugged or
capped with screw caps to prevent contamination. lt shall be propely
stored in a closed cabinet near filling line and clearly labelled "FOR
DRINKING WATER ONLY". Pumps used for the delivery of drinking water
shall not be used for any other purpose.
 ANNEX
SECTION 10 : SEPARABILITY CLAUSE
DISJNFECTJON OF WELLAND WATER CONTAINER
ln the event that any rule, section, paragraph, sentence, clause or words of these
implementing rules and regulations. is declared invalid_for any reason, the other The following tables give the amount of Calcium Hypochlorite (70%) availab!e
provisions thereof shall not be aff_ected _therêt>y. chlorine required to provide a dosage 50 ppm to 100 ppm of available chlorine.

·SECTION 11 : REPEALING CLÀUSE ·

Diameter of Capacity in gallons Amount of Calcium Hypochlorite in
Ali pertinent rules and regulations which· are inconsistent with the provisions of Casing per foot of depth ounces/grams per foot of depth
these implementing rules and regulatlons are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 50 ppm 100 ppm
Column_ 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

SECTION 12 : EFFECTIVITY 2 inches 0.16 0.001152/0.0432 0.00305/0.0866

4 inches 0.66 0.00628/0.1783 0.01256/0.3587
The se ru les and regulations shall take effect fifteen i 15) days from date of publication 6 inches 1 .47 0.01397/0.3967 0.02799/0. 7949
8 inches 2.61 0.02484/0. 7054 0.04969/1 .411 2
in the official gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
10 i11ches 4.08 0.03884/1.10305 0.07768/2.2061
12 inches 5.88 0.0557/1.5895 0.11196/3. 7096
Approved on this 24th day of November nineteen hundred and ninety five.

. HOWTO USETHETABLE
1. To find the volume of water ir the well:
t
/~~a__.... (1' Multiply the amount of gallons specified in the table (Col. 2. ·opposite the
HllARIONJ. RAMIRO, Jif,
M.D., M.H.A. given diameter) by the depth of the water in foot.
Secretary of Health Example
Given Diameter of casing = 6 inches (Col. 1)
Depth of Water = 100 feet
Date of Publication: 29 January 1996 Therefore, Volume of Water = 1.47 (Col. 2) x 100 = 147 Gals.
Philippine Daily lnquirer To find the amount of calcium hypochlorite (70%) available chlorine to disin-
2.
tect a well:
Example : (a) Diameter of Weil = 6inches
Given Depth of Water = 100 feet
Therefore, amount of hypochlorite = 0.02799 (Col. 4) x 100
= 2.9 inches of 5 ounces/79 grams
(b) Same well as (a)
Dosage = 50 ppm (Col. 3)
Therefore, amount of Calcium Hypochlorite = 0.01397 (Col. 3) x100
= 1,397 ounces or 3.5 ounces/42.6 grams
NOTE: If a weighing scale is not available, the chemical may be measured
with spoon.
1 ounce weights approximately 3 level tablespoons
1 ounce weights approximately 2 moderately l'leaping tablespoons
one (1) pound =. 16 ounces
(1) ounce = 28.4 grams

Vol. of H20 in gallons x 8.34 x dosage required i11 ppm x 454

Chlorine (grams) = 1,000,000 x % of available C1 2
 ANNEX
Recognition is further expressed to the following DOH personnel
TABLE 1 who compassionately nurtured the spirit of collaborative effort in
CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE FOR 50 ppm DOSAGE the final editing of the manuscript:
DEl1TH 1. Dr. Manuel G. Roxas
OF
WATER WELL D!AMETER Undersecretary and Chief of Staff
COLUMN 2· 3• 4• 6" a· 10· 12"
IMI 50mm 75mm 100 mm 150 m 200 mm 250 mm 300mm
2. Dr. Carmencita Noriega-Reodica
1 - - 1/4 tsp 1/41sp 1 /2 tsp 314 tsp , tsp
Undersecretary for Office of Public Health Services
2 - 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp 1 /21sp 3/4 tsp 1 1 /2 tsp 2 tsp
3 - 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp 3/4 tsp 1 1 /2 tsp 2 1 /4 tsp 3 tsp
4 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 tsp 1 3/4 tsp 2 3/4 tsp 4tsp
5 1/4 tsp 1 /2 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 1/41sp 2 114 tsp 3 112 tsp 5 tsp
3. Atty. Nicolas Lutera Ill
6 1/4 tsp 112 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 2/2 tsp 2 115 tsp- 4 1 /4 tsp 6 tsp Director, Health Policy Development Office
7 114 tsp 112 tsp 314 tsp 1 3/4 tsp 3 1/4 tsp 5 tsp 7 tsp
8 114 tsp 1/2 tsp 314 tsp 2 tsp 3 1/2 tsp 5 1/2 tsp 8tsp
9 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 tsp 2 1 /4 tsp 4 tsp 61/2tsp 9 tsp 4. Mrs. Melahi Pons
10 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 1/4 tsp 2 1/2 tsp 4 1/2 tsp 7 tsp 5 tbsp
20 112 tsp 1 1/4 tsp 2 1/4 tsp 5 tsp 9 tsp 7 tbsp 10tbsp Director, Health Policy Development Office
30 3/4tsp 1 3/4 tsp 3 1/2 tsp 7 112 tsp 6 3/4 tbsp 10 1/2 tbsp 151bsp
40 lc.1 /4 tsp 2 1/2 tsp 4 1/2 tsp 5 tbsp 9 tbsp 14 tbsp 20 1/4 tbsp
50 1 1/2 tsp 3 1/4 tsp 5 1/2 tsp 6 1/4 tbsp 11 1 /4 tbsp 171/2tbsp 25114 tbsp 5. Engr. Victor V. Sabandeja
60 1 1/2 tsp 3 3/4 tsp 6 3/4tsp 7 1 /2 tbsp 13 1/2 tbsp 21 tbsp 30 114 tbsp
70 2 tsp 41/2 tsp 7 3/4 tsp 8 3/4 tbsp 15 3/4 tbsp 24 1/2 tbsp 35 1 /4 tbsp Chief, Environmental Sanitation Division
80 2 1/4 tsp 5 tsp 9tsp 10 !bsp 18 tbsp 281bsp 40 1/2 tbsp Environmental Health Service
90 2 1 /2 tsp 5 1/2 tsp 5tbsp 11 1 /2 lbsp 20 1/4 tbsp 31 1 /3 tbsp 45 1/2 tbsp
100 2 3/4 tsp 61/2 tsp 5 1/2 tbsp 12 1/2 tbsp 22 1 /2 tbsp 35 lbsp 50 1/2 tbsp
The Oepartment of Health enjoins all agencies especially the Local
ANNEX Government Executives in meeting the demands and challenges for
a healthful living environment as we enter our journey for economic
TABLE 2
development under President Fidel Ramas' vision for Philippines 2000.
CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE FOR 100 ppm DOSAGE

DEPTH
OF WELL DIAMETER
WATER
COLUMN 2· 3• 4• 6" 8" 10· 12"
!Ml 60mm 75mm 100 mm 150 m 200 mm 250 mm 300mm /~,~'
HILARIOfrL RAMIRO/ JR., MD, MHA
1 - 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp 1 /2 tsp 3/4 tsp 1 1 /2 tsp 2tsp
2 1/4tsp 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp 1tsp 1 3/4 tsp 2 3/4 tsp 4tsp Secretary of Health
3 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp 112 tsp 1 1 /2 tsp 2 1 /2 tsp 4 1/41SP 6 ISP
4 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp 314tsp 2 tsp 3 112 tsp 5 1 /2 tsp 8tsp
5 1/4tsp 1/2 tsp 1 114 tsp 2 1 /2 tsp 4 1 /2 tsp 7 tsp 5tbsp
6 112 tsp 3/4 tsp 1 1/2 tsp 3 tsp s 112 tsp 8 1/2 tsp 6tbsp
7 1/2 tsp 3/4 ISP 1 1/2 tsp 3 1 /2 lsp 6 1/4 tsp 9 3/4 lsP 7 tbsp
8 112 tsp ltsp 1 3/4 tsp 4tsp 71/4tsp 5 1/2 tbsp 8tbsp
9 112 tsp 11/4tsp 2tsp 4112 lsp 8 tsp 6 1/4tbsp 9tbsp
10 112 tsp 1 1/4tsp 2 1/4 tsp 5 tsp 9 tsp 7 tbsp 10 tbsp
20 1 1/4 tsp 2 1/2 tsp 4 112 tsp 5 tbsp 9 tbsp 14 tbsp 20 114 tbsp
30 1 1/2 tsp 3 3/4 tsp 6 3/4 tsp 7 112 tsp 13 1 /2 tbsp 21 tbsp 30 1/4 tbsp
40 2 1/4tsp 5 tsp 9tsp 10 tbsp 18 tbsp 28 tbsp 40 1/2 tbsp
50 2 3/4 tsp 6 1/2 tsp 5 1/2 tbsp 12 1/2 tbsp 22 1 /2 tbsp 35 tbsp 50 112 tbsp
60 3 112 tsp 7 1/2 tsp 6 3/4tbsp 15 tbsp 27 tbsp 42 tbsp 60 112 tbsp
70 4tsp 8 3/4 tsp 8tbsp 17 3/4 tbsp 31 112 tbsp 49 tbsp 70 3/4 tbsp
80 4 112 tsp 5tbsp 9 tbsp 20 1/4 tbsp 36 tbsp 56 tbsp 80 314 lbsp
90 6 tsp 5 3/4tbsp 10tbsp 22 3/4 tbsp 40 1 /2 tbsp 63tbsp 91 tbsp
100 5 1/2 tsp 6 1/4 tbsp n 1/4tbsp 25 1 /4 tbsp 45 tbsp 70 tbsp l01 tbsp

LEGEND:
1 tsp -= 1 TEASPOON 5 GRAMS
1 tbsp -= 1 T ABLESPOON 10 GRAM$
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Department of Health is deeply indebted and express sincere

appreciation to 0(. Mario C. Villaverde, Director of the Envîronment
Health Service for his role in bringing these implementing rules and
regulations (IRR) from concept to reality.

The Policy, Standards and Regulation Section, headed by Engr. An-

tonio A. Hormillosa and his technical staff for theîr enduring com-
mitment in constantly nurturing this IRR from the beginning and
perceptiveness along the way together with Engr. Joselito M. Riego
de Dies for his patience in developing the first draft are worth men-
tioning.

Deep sense of gratitude is also expressed to the agencies, associa-

tions and organizations who shared their insights and experiences
durinij_ the consultative dialogues and series of public hearings na-
tionw1âe. Their struggles, arguments and even their temporary set-
backs have greatly influenced the finalization of this IRR in our quest
to formulate, implement and enforced doable sanitation laws. The
following agencies, associations and organizations pursued their on-
going interest, valuable comments and contributions to these ef-
forts:

1. City/Municipal Health Offices of Baguio City, Cavite City, Iloilo

City, Lucban, Quezon , Davao City, Malay, Aklan, and General
Santos City
2. Commision on Human Rights
3. Department of Health Reg ion al Offices
4. Department of lnterior and Local Government
5. Department of Works and Highways
6. Environmental Management Bureau, OENR
7. Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
8. Local Water Utilities Administration
9. Metro Manila Development Authority
1 O. Metropo\itan Waterworks and Sewerage System
11. National Association of Master Plumbers
12. Philippine Association of Water Districts
13. Philippine National Police
14. Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers
15. Philippine Waterworks Association of the Philippines
16. Provincial Health Offices of Cavite, Quezon, Laguna, Aklan,
Iloilo, Antique, Nueva Ecija, Marinduque, Benguet
17. Public Utility Service$ Office, Baguio City
18. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
19. Water Districts of Metro Iloilo, Kalibo, Laguna, Baguio City, La
Trinidad, Davao City, General Santos City