Clean Water Shortage

• Poor access to clean water. Although the Philippines is surrounded by water, 250 out of 1,600 communities – mostly in 5th class municipalities – still do not have access to clean, potable water.
• The spring of problems. According to Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, the water problem springs from pollution, poor management, and lack of infrastructure. He added that even if there are abundant sources of water, problems will arise if these sources are not utilized efficiently.
• Untapped water sources. According to the National Water Resources Board, the country has 146 billion cubic meters of water from lakes, rivers, watersheds, and underground sources. However, half of these remain untapped due to pollution, lack of infrastructure and poor management. One example is the Pasig River; it could have been a major source of water for Metro Manila. But since the river is not clean, Metro Manila instead draws most of its water from Angat dam.
• Laser aqueous solution. The government has arrived at precise, laser solutions to address the water problem. These involve rehabilitating the watersheds, impounding dams, and cleaning river systems.
• A call to saturate environmentalism. Filipinos must exercise discipline and stop treating water as a limitless resource. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is currently encouraging environmentalism through education and corporate responsibility.

 

Source:

Howard, Caroline, “250 communities don't have clean water.” ABS-CBN News, 27 March 2011, from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/anc/03/27/11/250-communities-ph-dont-have-access-clean-water.