The Problem is Hidden
In Our Waters
The Problem is Hidden
In Our Waters
Embedded Files
In Our Waters
While the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and the City Government of Davao have established a technical framework for sanitation under the Septage and Sewerage Management City Ordinance No. 0363-10, the transition from institutional policy to household practice remains stalled.
The issue lies in a significant knowledge-to-action gap in Davao City.
Infrequent Desludging
Infrequent Desludging
Many households do not regularly desludge their septic tanks. Despite Davao City Ordinance 0363-10, public understanding of proper schedules and benefits remains limited.
Groundwater Contamination
Groundwater Contamination
When septic tanks are not maintained, untreated waste leaks into groundwater and surface waters, contributing to high fecal coliform levels in the Davao Gulf.
Public Health Risk
Public Health Risk
Contamination threatens the city's drinking water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and leptospirosis.
From Individual Issue to Shared Responsibility
From Individual Issue to Shared Responsibility
Water and sanitation affect every dimension of community life.
Health
Health
Water Contamination & Disease
Water Contamination & Disease
When water becomes contaminated, it carries harmful germs, chemicals, and waste dangerous to people's health. Drinking or using dirty water leads to illnesses — especially among children and older adults.
Diarrhea & Cholera
Skin infections
Hepatitis A & Typhoid
Leptospirosis
Source: World Health Organization, 2023
Community
Community
A Shared Responsibility
A Shared Responsibility
Poor sanitation allows diseases to spread more easily. When waste enters rivers or drainage systems, it pollutes water sources communities rely on for drinking, cooking, and bathing. This is not just an individual issue — it is a shared responsibility.
Everyone is affected
Drinking water becomes unsafe
Communities lose clean resources
Vulnerable groups at greatest risk
Source: UNICEF, 2021; WHO, 2023
Environment
Environment
Environmental Damage
Environmental Damage
Water contamination harms the environment. Polluted water can kill fish, damage ecosystems, and affect livelihoods — especially for communities that depend on fishing or agriculture. Over time, this reduces food supply and affects local economies.
Fish and marine life die off
Ecosystems are disrupted
Fishing livelihoods are threatened
Agricultural water sources polluted
Source: World Health Organization, 2023
Keeping water clean is everyone's responsibility. Small actions like proper waste disposal help protect the whole community.
What You Need to Know
What You Need to Know
About Desludging
About Desludging
Converting abstract policy into usable household knowledge.
What is Desludging?
What is Desludging?
Desludging is the removal of built-up solid waste (sludge) from septic tanks, pits, or treatment systems — usually using a vacuum truck. It keeps the system working properly, prevents clogs, and protects the environment.
— Titan Environmental, 2023
How Often?
How Often?
Every 5 years (standard guideline)
When sludge fills half of the tank
When slow drains, overflow, bad odor, or clogged pipes appear
— DCWD, n.d.
Who Provides the Service?
Who Provides the Service?
Government / Official
Davao City Water District (DCWD) - soon
Septage Management Program (SMP)
Services available once full implementation is complete
Scheduled and regulated across the city
Private Services
Licensed Private Operators
Septic tank desludging and siphoning
Cleaning and maintenance services
Available for immediate or on-demand use
What Happens if You Don't Comply?
What Happens if You Don't Comply?
Failure to comply with the Septage Management Program (SMP) under Davao City Ordinance No. 0363-10 may result in:
Notice of Non-Compliance issued by the City Government
Citation as an official violator, subject to enforcement
Possible fines or penalties under implemented rules
Increased risk of water contamination and disease spread
Take Action!
What Can You Do?
What Can You Do?
Small, consistent actions at the household level create meaningful change across the community
01 Schedule Regular Desludging
01 Schedule Regular Desludging
Have your septic tank inspected every 3 years and desludged every 3–5 years, depending on usage. Regular maintenance prevents sludge buildup and system failure.
— EPA, 2025
02 Use Water Efficiently
02 Use Water Efficiently
Avoid overloading your septic system. Fix leaks and spread out activities like laundry to prevent system overload and drainage failure.
— EPA, 2025
03 Dispose of Waste Properly
03 Dispose of Waste Properly
Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid wipes, grease, chemicals, and plastics — these clog the system and damage the natural bacteria that treat waste.
— EPA, 2025
04 Stay Informed on Local Services
04 Stay Informed on Local Services
Keep updated on sanitation programs like those of the Davao City Water District, which provide regulated and scheduled desludging services.
— DCWD, n.d.
05 Share Awareness
05 Share Awareness
Encourage neighbors to practice proper septic maintenance. Poor sanitation in one household can affect shared water systems and increase contamination risks.
— WHO, 2022
06 Treat Sanitation as Shared Responsibility
06 Treat Sanitation as Shared Responsibility
Proper septic tank maintenance helps prevent fecal contamination in water sources and reduces the spread of diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
— WHO, 2022
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