Pollution Sources and Water Quality Assessment in Metro Manila and Laguna Lake Basins

Abstract

As one of the major tasks in the IDRC-funded project “Water Resources Management Model for Metro Manila,” the water quality of both surface and groundwater resources in the Metro Manila and Laguna Lake Basins was assessed based on available data and information. Refuse dumpsites, industries, and underground storage tanks as possible pollution sources were identified and map-located. Groundwater quality data provided by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Department of Health (DOH) was evaluated and compared with the National Standards for Drinking Water. Groundwater quality maps for Metro Manila were generated for the following parameters: pH, chloride, turbidity, total dissolved solids, iron, and hardness. A groundwater vulnerability map was developed for Metro Manila based on mappable hydrogeological parameters. Report findings on the water quality status of the Laguna Lake and Metro Manila Rivers is also presented.

(Based on a paper presented in the Regional Workshop on Management Modelling for Conjunctive Water Use, sponsored by IDRC-GRC-UPERDFI-NHRC, held on March 16-17, 1993, at the National Engineering Center, U.P Diliman, Quezon City)