QuestionsQuestions (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 97-23)
To update the country’s water quality criteria for coastal and marine waters by maintaining the quality of Philippine waters in a safe and satisfactory condition according to their best usage, in conjunction with DAO No. 34, series of 1990.
Section 68 (Water Usage Classification) is amended, and Section 69 (Water Quality Criteria) is amended—specifically as reflected in the amended provisions for coastal and marine waters and the criteria table.
It classifies them into Class SA, Class SB, Class SC, and Class SD, each corresponding to beneficial uses and water-quality expectations.
Waters suitable for propagation/survival/harvesting of shellfish for commercial purposes; national marine parks and marine reserves; and coral reef parks and reserves designated by law and concerned authorities.
Tourist zones and marine reserves for recreational activities like bathing/swimming/skin diving; Recreational Water Class I areas regularly used for bathing/swimming/skin diving; and Fishery Water Class I spawning areas for Chanos chanos (bangus) and similar species.
Recreational Water Class II (e.g., boating); Fishery Water Class II (commercial and sustenance fishing); and marshy and/or mangrove areas declared as fish and wildlife sanctuaries.
Industrial and Water Supply Class II (e.g., cooling) and other coastal and marine waters which, by their quality, belong to this classification.
It implies that the quality of waters should be maintained in a safe and satisfactory condition consistent with the intended beneficial use classification of that water body.
Fecal coliforms, with a limit of 200 MPN/100ml for Class SB.
It means the limit refers to the geometric mean of the results of at least five (5) consecutive sampling events.
At least six (6) times a month at regular intervals whenever there are indications of pollution sources; sampling may be adjusted to less intensity during periods of low bathing activity and when pollution sources are effectively mitigated as determined by appropriate authorities.
Sampling locations should be in areas not less than 1 meter deep, and samples should be collected 20–30 centimeters from the water surface.
Protocols for sample containers, sample collection, sample preservation and handling, chain-of-custody, sample analysis, and quality assurance/quality control.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Because the area’s classification determines the applicable water quality criteria (e.g., fecal coliform limit for Class SB) and thus governs what levels are considered compliant or non-compliant under the monitoring requirements.
DAO No. 97-23 is meant to update/amend specific sections of DAO No. 34 by revising classification and water quality criteria for coastal and marine waters.