ILOILO City – Councilor Ely Estante is pushing for the creation of rainwater harvesting system here.
He filed an ordinance entitled “Iloilo City Rainwater Harvesting and Management Ordinance of 2021”, or an ordinance providing for the proper collection, conveyance, storage, treatment, and utilization of rainwater in Iloilo City.
Co-authored by Councilor Lady Julie Grace Baronda, the proposed ordinance hurdled first reading during July 6’s regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Estante said proper harvesting and storage of rainwater could help mitigate flooding.
“The city government of Iloilo recognizes the need to initiate and promote rainwater harvesting, including its storage, conveyance, and proper treatment as a viable source of non-potable water,” part of the proposed ordinance read.
A rainwater harvesting system is composed of five basic components, namely: collection, conveyance, storage, treatment, and distribution that will lead to eventual use of collected rainwater.
If the proposed measure is approved, the installation of rainwater harvesting system is mandatory for the following:
* new houses, apartments, duplex or multistory buildings and residential development including, but not limited to, condominium complexes, with a catchment area of at least 50 square meters, including major renovation and expansion
* new multi-story buildings with a catchment area of more than 100 square meters whether public or private for commercial or industrial purposes as well as major renovation and expansion
* all existing public buildings, especially schools and markets
* existing private houses, apartments, duplex, multi-story buildings and residential development
USE OF COLLECTED RAINWATER
Collected rainwater stored in cisterns and tanks may not be used for potable purposes, like drinking and bathing, unless fully treated and meets the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water of 2017.
Collected rainwater may be used for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing, general cleaning, car washing, fire protection, washing of facilities/equipment, storm water management, and landscape irrigation.
Meanwhile, within 90 days upon approval of this ordinance, a Technical Working Group (TWG) shall be formed by the City Mayor’s Office to draft and finalize the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the ordinance for submission to and approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo./PN
