Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Water shortages in recent years necessitates the identification of new water sources 
through whatever means, including the non-conventional installation of gray water 
systems. Gray water is waste water that come from bathroom sinks, showers, bath 
tubs, washing machines and floor drains. In other words, it is water that already has 
been used domestically, commercially and industrially. Through treatment, they 
become a safe source of water for specific uses. 
The use of Gray water is increasing in many countries that World Health Organization 
(WHO) published the Sanitation and Safety Planning (SSP) Manual in 2015 to provide 
a practical step-by-step guidance in the implementation of the 2006 WHO guidelines 
for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Excreta and Gray water.  
This bill provides for the inclusion of Gray water treatment systems and use. It seeks 
to minimizes fresh water, reduce the amount of wastewater entering sewers or 
treatment systems and prepare for the future considering our population and rising 
standards of living. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
May 22, 2023
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11:39 am


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE INSTALLATION OF GRAY WATER TREATMENT 
SYSTEMS/FACILITIES IN BUILDINGS AND IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR 
VIOLATION THEREOF 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as "Gray Water Treatment and 
Reuse Act." 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
conserve, to the fullest extent possible, its water resources, by proactively promoting 
the utilization of alternative sources of water. In line with this, the State shall ensure 
that all buildings within its territory are properly equipped with treatment 
facilities/systems that will enable them to efficiently maximize the use of the water 
sources at their disposal. 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms shall 
mean: 
(a)
“Gray water" – refers to wastewater which, though not potable, is
understood as not pathologically infectious and is not contaminated with
fecal matter, which may be used for watering plants, laundry, flushing
toilets, cleaning, and other uses not related to human consumption;
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(b) 
"Gray water treatment system" – refers to any appliance, equipment, or 
combination thereof designed to remove pathogens from gray water and 
render the same suitable for reuse on-site in toilets, urinals, or 
subterranean irrigation systems; 
 
(c) 
"Blackwater" – wastewater that has been contaminated with fecal matter; 
and  
 
(d)  
"Building" – Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of 
persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind. 
 
Sec. 4. Installation of Gray Water Treatment Systems in All Buildings. – Within 
one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, every owner of a building with a floor area 
of at least one thousand (1,000) square meters shall install therein a gray water 
treatment system with sufficient capacity to treat all gray water produced in the said 
building. 
 
Upon request by an owner of a building with a floor area of less than one thousand 
(1,000) square meters, the water utility servicing such building shall install therein a 
gray water treatment system with a capacity sufficient to treat all of the gray water 
produced in the said building. The costs of the system and its installation shall be 
borne by the owner of the building and, at the option of the building owner, may be 
repaid in installments to be included in the monthly bill; Provided that each installment 
shall not exceed more than ten percent (10%) of the monthly bill. 
 
Sec. 5. Inclusion of a Gray Water System in Building Plans and Specifications. 
– Upon effectivity of this Act, no building with a floor area of at least one thousand 
(1,000.00) square meters shall be permitted for construction unless the plans and 
specifications therefor provide for a gray water system with a capacity sufficient to treat 
all gray water produced in the contemplated building. Should the completed building 
fail to comply with such plans and specifications, the same shall not be permitted for 
occupancy and/or operation. 
 


 
Sec. 6. Reuse of Gray Water. – Treated gray water shall not be reused for human 
consumption or for any purpose other than on-site in toilets, urinals, and subterranean 
irrigation. 
 
Sec. 7. Storage and Commingling with Other Water Sources. – Gray water, 
whether treated or untreated shall not be commingled with potable sources of water fit 
for human consumption. For entities who collect rainwater, only treated gray water 
may be commingled with such rainwater subject to rules and regulations of appropriate 
government agencies. 
 
Sec. 8. Penal Provisions. – The penalty of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) 
year imprisonment; a fine of not less than fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00), but 
not more than one hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00); or both, at the 
discretion of the court, shall be imposed upon: 
(a) 
Any owner of a building who fails to install a gray water system, as 
provided for under the first paragraph of Section 4 of this Act. In case the 
owner is a partnership or a corporation, the penalty shall be imposed 
upon the responsible partners or members of the board; 
 
(b) 
The proprietor, responsible partners, or responsible members of the 
board of water utilities which shall refuse to install a gray water system, 
as provided for under the second paragraph of Section 4 of this Act; 
 
(c) 
Any government officer or employee who shall permit the building or 
occupancy of any building in violation of Section 5 of this Act; and 
 
(d) 
Any person who stores and reuses gray water in violation of Sections 6 
and 7 of this Act. 
 
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect. 
 


 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. – Any law, rule, and regulation or portion thereof contrary 
to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act is hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
 
Sec. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect upon completion of its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,