EMPTY SEPTIC TANKS REGULARLY: MCWD

Several private wells are using ground water which are affected by bottomless septic tanks, MCWD official says

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) urged all local government units (LGUs) to pass an ordinance making it mandatory for owners of buildings and residential houses to de-sludge their septic tanks every five to 10 years.

Engr. Emmanuel “Bong” Espina of MCWD said that Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) will provide US$20 million (about P1.06 billion) for a wastewater treatment plant in Cebu.

Espina said that at present, most of the septic tanks are bottomless and the waste water penetrates to the ground and affects the potability of water, especially that some MCWD water sources are underground.

Several private wells also depend on ground water sources.

“We found out nitrate contamination in our ground water sources caused by bottomless septic tanks. That’s why one of our mandates is de-sludging,” Espina said.

These bottomless septic tanks were constructed several decades ago, which should be corrected before these cause harm effect to more people, Espina said.

“If all LGUs will have an ordinance making a mandatory de-sludging of septic tanks, then all future owners of buildings and residential houses will have to follow the law,” Espina said.

He said the ordinance must require that all septic tanks must be based on standards. For a residential house, one septic tank must accommodate three cubic meters, with two to three chambers./EOB