Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 10942

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
MANDATING THE INSTALLATION OF GRAY WATER TREATMENT
SYSTEMS/FACILITIES IN BUILD! 'S AND IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATION THEREOF

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the country facing a pressing water crisis, President Marcos recently created a

Water Resource Management Office to ensure sufficient water supply and to address pressing
environmental challenges. This move underscores the critical need for innovative solutions like

the proposed Act to alleviate water scarcity issues.

The "Gray Water Treatment and Reuse Act” aligns with these efforts by promoting the
reuse of gray water in buildings, thereby reducing demand on the freshwater supply and
minimizing the environmental impact of wastewater. It mandates the installation of gray water
treatment systems in buildings, aiming to promote the efficient use of water resources by

recycling gray water for non-potable purposes.


By encouraging the reuse of gray water, this Act aims to alleviate the pressure on the
country's water supply, reduce the environmental impact of wastewater, and support the

Philippines’ commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

CRISPIN DIEGO “PING” D. REMULLA


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
‘Third Regular Session

10942

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

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. Title. This Act shall be known as the “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.


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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. Implementation and Oversight. - The implementation and oversight of this,
Act, including the enforcement of provisions related to the installation and maintenance of gray
water treatment systems and facilities in buildings, shall be the responsibility of the Water
Resource Management Office under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Water Resource Management Office shall:

(a) Develop and issue guidelines and standards for the installation, operation, and
maintenance of gray water treatment systems in buildings.

(b) Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with this Act and its implementing
rules and regulations.

SEC. 9. 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;


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(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;

(©) 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. 10. Separability Clause. — If any part, section or provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and
effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders. rules and regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,