The Davao City Water District (DCWD) urged Dabawenyos to practice proper septage management, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding public health and preserving the environment.
Improper management of septic waste can lead to the contamination of groundwater sources and the pollution of rivers and coastal waters.
A 2023 report by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) attributed the pollution to “wastes from commercial and agricultural areas, and sewage waste from heavily built-up areas” along the river’s stretch, particularly downstream.
Fecal coliform, a bacteria found in the digestive tracts of warm-blooded animals, is a key indicator of water pollution. Its presence signals fecal contamination and the potential existence of other dangerous pathogens. A primary source is leaking or overflowing septic tanks.
In a recent advisory, the DCWD said that exposure to these contaminants through swimming, bathing, or contaminated drinking water can cause severe waterborne illnesses, including gastro-enteritis, cholera, diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid, dysentery, and polio.
To address this, the City Government partnered with the DCWD on a comprehensive Septage Management Program (SMP). The program provides a structured system for the safe desludging, transportation, and treatment of septic waste, preventing it from contaminating the environment.
The SMP’s core goal is to improve water quality, sanitation, and overall public health. It also prevents the spread of waterborne diseases, protects families, and builds healthier communities.
The city urged all Dabawenyos to comply with local ordinances and have their septic tanks professionally desludged at least once every five years. This simple action is a critical defense in protecting community health and restoring the vitality of local waterways.
For more information, to schedule desludging, or to address concerns, Dabawenyos are encouraged to contact the DCWD through its official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/officialDCWD, or its website https://web.davao-water.gov.ph/DavaoCitySMP. Dabawenyos may also reach DWCD through these numbers: 235-3293; 0927 798 8966; 0925 511 3193; and 0908 441 0653. CIO
