Question & AnswerQ&A (MANILA CITY ORDICE NO. 8491)
The ordinance is officially titled the "Ordinance establishing a Septage Management System in the City of Manila."
The City of Manila shares responsibility for the management and improvement of water quality within its territory by implementing measures to prevent and control water pollution and promote public health.
All buildings and structures, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or government offices or institutions, are required to have proper sewage treatment or septage management systems.
Septage refers to a combination of scum, sludge, and liquid from household septic tanks.
A hygienic septic tank is a septic tank with no openings at the bottom of the slab; it is a closed structure that does not allow leaching of liquid or solid wastes to surrounding soil or ground.
All residential houses and buildings must have a hygienic septic tank compliant with national standards, and no structure must be built on top to ensure accessibility.
Septic tanks must be desludged on average once every three to five years or when the sludge reaches about one-third of the tank volume, whichever comes first.
Inspections and openings are done by Sanitary Inspectors, authorized barangay officials, or representatives of the MWSS or its concessionaires.
No, untreated excreta from areas without septic tanks and untreated wastewater from industrial or public establishments are prohibited from discharge into open drainage canals or piped drainage systems.
Owners who fail to comply shall be liable to pay fines for every violation, as stipulated in Section 15 of the ordinance.
The City Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO) or any office authorized by the Mayor is responsible for implementation.
All entities applying for Business and Building Permits must obtain an Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC) from the City of Manila.
Yes, connections to existing sewer lines are subject to sewerage service charges/fees according to existing laws, unless the source already uses its own sewerage system.
Yes, communal or shared septic tanks are allowed where feasible, particularly in clustered structures with inadequate land, subject to approval by the City Building Official.
Only accredited septage haulers/pumpers can collect, transport, and unload septage at approved treatment plants. Disposal in unauthorized places is prohibited.