The Interface Development Interventions (Idis) Inc., an environmental group, encouraged citizens of Davao City to practice rainwater harvesting for augmentation and conservation of groundwater supply.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary of water protection in Davao City, IDIS Managing Trustee Mary Ann Fuentes urged the public to use rainwater as a non-potable source for toilet flushing and irrigation instead of freshwater.“If we only have water catchment facility in every household, we can store 100,000 liters per 50 square meter roof every year,” Fuentes said during the Kapehan sa Davao conference, yesterday.
In 2009, the Davao City Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance was enacted into law as a requirement to commercial, residential and institutional buildings.
However, IDIS Environment Research Specialist Leon Manalo said there is no proper enforcement of the ordinance after it was passed 10 years ago.
Based on their assessment last year, out of 100 establishments, only 26 have existing water catchment facility in their buildings. These include Davao Christian High School, San Pablo Parish and Airport View.
“We are continuing to urge the LGUS to monitor establishments, not only those large and known, but also those commercial buildings because they are the large consumers of upland water,” he said.
IDIS continues to intensify their water conservation campaign by encouraging the public to do it so.
‘‘Water conservation is everybody’s responsibility,’’ Fuentes said.
By Niño Nicole P. Villareal/UM Intern
