Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Philippines SFTG Navigator

Production of alternative water resources for purposes other than human consumption — Contribution to the transition to a Circular Economy

Sector: Waste and Water
Description

The production of alternative water resources that are used to replace water from abstraction or from the drinking water supply systems and can be used for aquifer recharge, irrigation, industrial reuse, recreation and any other municipal use.

Scope of Assets

Construction, extension, operation and renewal of facilities

- for producing reclaimed water: urban wastewater that results from treatment in a reclamation plant in compliance with the national requirements

- for harvesting rain and storm water

- for collection and treatment of grey water: untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, which includes wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, clothes washing machines and laundry sinks

The economic activity only includes the facilities and processes that make it possible for the water to be reused, such as facilities for recharging aquifers or surface water storages, and does not include the previous steps, such as primary and secondary steps in the wastewater treatment plant or the subsequent steps, necessary for the final reuse of these alternative water resources, such as irrigation systems.

PSIC/ISIC code

37000 - Sewerage (ISIC 3700)

42900 - Construction of other civil engineering projects (ISIC 4290)

Technical Screening Criteria

Substantial contribution criteria
  1. For production of reclaimed water, the activity complies with the following criteria:
    • The reclaimed water is suitable for reuse.
      1. For use in agriculture, the reclaimed water complies with national legislation1.
      2. For uses other than agricultural irrigation, the final quality of reclaimed water is fit for purpose and compliant with existing national legislation and standards
    • The water reuse project has been authorized by the competent authority, in the framework of integrated water management, having as a priority taken into account viable water demand management and efficiency measures, in consultation with the water management authorities.
      1. This may be proven by its inclusion in a water management plan or drought management plan.
      2. For reuse in agriculture, the assessments of the environmental risks, including those related to the quantitative status of water bodies, are fully taken into account in the risk management plans.
      3. For agricultural reuse of reclaimed water or treated wastewater, relevant internationally recognised risk-based water quality guidelines and standards must be followed; examples include the WHO Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture, ISO 16075 series, FAO Guidelines on Wastewater Use in Agriculture.
  2. For facilities for harvesting rain and storm water, the activity complies with the following criteria2:
    • The resource (rain or storm water) is segregated at source and does not include wastewater;
    • The water is suitable for use after proper treatment depending on the level of contamination and subsequent use;
    • The facility is included in an instrument of urban planning or permitting, such as Master Plan or municipal planning;
    • Compliance with national rainwater harvesting standards3 should be followed
    • For reuse of rain and stormwater, relevant internationally recognized guidelines and standards must be followed, examples include ISO 30500, ISO 24521, UNEP guidance for Wastewater Reuse, IWA Water Reuse.
  3. For facilities for collection and treatment of grey waters, the activity complies with the following criteria:
    • The resource (grey water) is segregated at source;
    • The water is suitable for reuse after proper treatment depending on the level of contamination and subsequent reuse;
    • The performance is attested by a building certification or is available in the technical design documents;
    • Relevant internationally recognized guidelines and standards must be followed, examples include WHO Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, ISO 30500, ISO 24521, UNEP guidance for Wastewater Reuse, IWA Water Reuse.
  4. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is ensured for all personnel involved in operations.
Complementary measures and practices

1. The following Internet of Things (IoT) based measures are eligible to streamline production of alternative water resources and increase efficiency:

  • Data Analytics: Advanced analytics can be used to identify trends, optimize resource allocation, and optimize production

2. Capacity building and training programs specifically on the following topics are eligible:

  • Occupational health and safety, and use of personal protective equipment
  • Technical and management training to ensure efficient water treatment
Exclusionary and ineligible practices

The activity does not include desalination and supply of water for human consumption.

Do No Significant Harm (DNSH)
Minimum Social Safeguards (MSS)

Notes

  1. 1. Key regulations in the Philippines: - RA 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 - DAO 2016-08 Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 as amended by DAO 2021-19 - DA AO No. 11, Series of 2019 Revised Guidelines on the Procedures and Technical Requirements for the Issuance of a Certification Allowing the Safe Re-Use of Wastewater for Purposes of Irrigation and Other Agricultural Uses
  2. 2. Key regulations in the Philippines: Green Building Code - referral code of the National Building Code (Presidential Decree No. 1096)
  3. 3. Green Building Code - referral code of the National Building Code (Presidential Decree No. 1096)