• •

25 June 1999

SUPPLEMENTAL IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS

OF CHAPTER II- "WATER SUPPLY", OF THE CODE ON
SANITATION OF THE PHILLIPINES (P.D. 856)

To carry out the provisions of Chapter II -"Water Supply" of the Code on Sanitation of
the Philippines (P.D. 856), these rules and regulations supJ'lementing the existing rules
and regulations approved by the Secretary of Health on 24 November 1995, are hereby
formulated for implementation of all concerned.

SECTION 1 SCOPE

These supplemental implementing rules and regulations shall apply to the following:

1.1 Development of drinking water supply system;

1.2 Establishment and operation of retail water system (RWS) or refilling station;

1.3 Source and product water quality monitoring;

1. 4 Drinking water in vending machines and dispensers and product water containers;

1.5 Household and commercial water purification equipment, gadgets and devices;
and

1. 6 Bulk water handling, storage and transportation.

SECTION 2 DEFINITION OF TERMS

As used in t~ese supplemental implementing rules and regulations, the following term
'shall mean:

AIRGAP - a clear vertical space through the free atmosphere between the
~ 21 opening of any pipe or faucet conveying water or waste to a tank, plumbing
fixture receptor, or other device and the flood level rim of the receptacle. An air
gap is used to prevent cross-connection between a water treatment device and a
possible source of wastewater thereby preventing a reverse flow of water from the
sewer into the water supply system.

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2.2
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APPROVED WATER LAB ORATORY - a Department of Health-accredited
water analysis laboratory.

2.3 APPROVED SOURCE - source of the water whether it be from a spring,

artesian well, drilled well, public or private water system, rain water reservoir, or
any other source that has undergone a sanitary survey, issued site clearance,
constructed, and the water sampled, analyzed, and found safe and potable, issued
an operational permit and certificate of potability of drinking water.

2.4 BACKFLOW - flow of water in a pipe or line in a direction opposite to the

normal flow; often associated with back siphonage of the flow of used water into
a potable water system.

2.5 BACKFLOW PREVENTER- a device or system installed in a water line to

stop backflow from a non-potable source.

2.6 BACKPRESSURE - pressure which creates resistance against the flow of

water.

2. 7 BACK-PRESSURE BACKFLOW - backflow due to an increased pressure

above the supply pressure, which may be due to pumps, boilers, gravity or other
sources of pressure.

2.8 BACKWATER VALVE - a device installed in a system to prevent reverse

flow.

2. 9 BULK WATER - water in container of five gallons or more in volume coming

from refilling station establishment or water intended for potable uses which is
transported via tanker truck or equivalent means from one area to another for the
purpose of treatment and/or packaging and human consumption.

2.10 CERTIFICATE OF POTABILITY OF DRINKING WATER - a

certification issued by the Secretary or his duly authorized representative
certifying the potability and safeness of source drinking water for human
consumption based on the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

2.11 CROSS-CONNECTION - any connection or arrangement, physical or

otherwise, between a potable water supply system and any plumbing fixture or
any tank, receptacle, equipment or device, through which it may be possible for
non-potable, used, unclean, polluted and contaminated water, or other substances,
to enter into any part of such potable water system under any condition.

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 2.12
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DEIONIZATION- the removal of the ionized minerals and salts (both organic
and inorganic) from a solution by a two-phase ion-exchange procedure. First,
positively charge ions are removed by a cation exchange resin in exchange for a
chemically equivalent amount of hydrogen ions. Second, negatively charged ions
are removed by an anion exchange resin for a chemically equivalent amount of
hydroxide ion. The hydrogen and hydroxide ions introduced in this process unite
to form water molecules. The term is often used interchangeably with
dimineralization.

2.13 DISTILLATION- the process of separating organic and inorganic solids from
water by evaporation (vaporization) followed by cooling and condensation.

2.14 ESTABLISHMENT - a collective term construed to include buildings and

premises where retail water system product water or refilling station product
water is being processed.

2.15 FILTER -device installed as part of a water treatment system through which
water flows for the purpose of removing turbidity, unpleasant taste, odor, iron or
color. Filters can be loose media beds, in tanks or cartridge-type devices. Filter
media may be used for mechanical, absorptive, neutralizing, or catalyst/oxidation
filtration process.

2.16 FILTRATION - the process of separating solids from a liquid by means of a

porous substance such as a permeable fabric or membrane or layer of inert media.

2.17 GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE (GMP)- the detail requirements

governing plant construction and design, sanitary facilities and operations,
equipment design and construction, production and process controls specific to
the production and purification ofwater.

2.18 HORIZONTAL PIPE - any pipe or fitting which is installed in a horizontal

position or which makes an angle of less than forty-five (45) degrees with the
horizontal.

2.19 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE - a measurement of structural strength and

ability to hold water pressure.

2.20 ION EXCHANGE - the reversible process in which ions are released from an

~
insoluble permanent material in exchange for other ions in a surrounding solution;
the direction of the exchange depends upon the affinities of the ion exchanger for
the ions present and the concentration of the ions in the solution.

v 3
2.21
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POINT-OF-ENTRY (POE)- a water treatment device that is installed at the
main inlet to a building or mobile vehicle and acts as centralized water treatment.

2.22 POINT-OF-USE (POU)- a water treatment system designed to connect at the

actual point-of-use for water; countertop or undersink treatment system.

2.23 PRESSURE-· the normal force exerted by a homogenous liquid or gas, per unit
of area, on the wall ofthe container.

2.23.1 STATIC PRESSURE- the pressure existing without any flow.

2.23 .2 RESIDUAL PRESSURE - the pressure available at the fixture or water

outlet after allowance is made for pressure drop due to friction loss, head,
meter and other losses in the system during maximum demand periods.

2.24 PRESSURE BALANCING VALVE - a mixing valve that senses incoming hot
and cold water pressures and compensates for fluctuations in either, to stabilize
outlet temperature.

2.25 REFILLING STATION - another term for a retail water system (RWS)
establishment.

2.26 REFILLED WATER OR PRODUCT WATER - source water that has

undergone additional processing and the product of multi-stage purification
technology (filtration, ion-exchange treatment, post carbon polishing, distillation,
ultraviolet sterilization, reverse osmosis, air filtration, ozonation or other DOH-
approved technology) and complying with the standard parameters and values for
refilled water quality of retail water system or refilling station.

2.27 REFILLED WATER CONTAINER- food-grade quality container for the

containment of processed drinking water from retail water system or refilling
station establishment.

2.28 REFILLED WATER DISPENSER - an equipment used for dispensing

processed drinking water either as a coin-operated machine, a monetary-driven
equipment or manually operated machine.

2.29 REGULATING EQUIPMENT - includes all valves and controls used in a

plumbing system, which are required to be accessible or readily accessible.

RESIDUAL- the amount of a specific material remaining in water following a

water treatment process. It may refer to material remaining as the result of
incomplete removal such as hardness leakage, or to a substance meant to remain
in the treated water such as residual chlorine.

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 2.31
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RETAIL WATER SYSTEM (RWS)- refilled water being sold and placed in
the refilled water container or in customer1s containers in refilling station.

2.32 REVERSE OSMOSIS OR HYPERFILTRATION- a process for the removal

of dissolved ions from water, in which pressure is used to force the water through
a semi-permeable membrane, which will transmit the water but reject most of the
other suspended and dissolved materials. It is called reverse osmosis because
mechanical pressure is used to force the water flow in the direction that is the
reverse of natural osmosis, namely from the dilute to the concentrated solution.

2.33 SANITARY CLEARANCE- a clearance issued by the local health office to

food or water delivery vehicles, mobile water tankers and similar vehicles,
including its appurtenances that they comply with the design, construction,
specification and other requirements of the Department.

2.34 SANITARY PERMIT - the permission or certification in writing of the

city/municipal health officer or in his absence, the chief or head of the sanitation
division/section/unit that the establishment complies with the existing minimum
sanitation requirements upon evaluation or inspection conducted in accordance
with Presidential Decree Nos. 522 and 856 and its implementing rules and
regulations, and local ordinances.

2.35 SOURCE WATER -water from approved source that is conveyed or distributed
to the refilling station through the public or private water mains or water tankers,
containers or reservoir.

2.36 ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT STERILIZATION- the process of killing active

bacteria and spores in water with the use of ultraviolet ray.

2.37 VERMIN - a group of insects such as flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, lice,

bedbugs or small animals such as mice and rats that are vector of diseases.

2.38 VERMIN ABATEMENT PROGRAM- a series of preventive and control

procedures and activities in the control ofvermin.

2.39 WATER HAMMER ARRESTOR- a device used to absorb hydraulic shock,

either of the air chamber or mechanical device design.

2.40 WATER MAIN (STREET MAIN) - a water-supply p1pe for public or

community use.

t:241 WATER-DISTRIBUTING PIPE- in a building or premises, a pipe'which

conveys potable water from the building supply pipe to the plumbing fixtures and
other water outlets.

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2.42
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WATER PURIFICATION DEVICE - any DOH-certified equipment,
•
apparatus, device or gadget whose purpose is to purify water, either for
household, commercial or other uses.

SECTION 3 SANITARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

DEVELOPMENT OF DRINKING WATER
SUPPLY SYSTEM
3.1 DRINKING WATER SITE CLEARANCE

3 .1.1 Requirements

Persons or entities intending to develop drinking water supply system shall

submit the following initial requirements to the local health office.

a. Application letter addressed to the local health officer or duly

accomplished application form

b. For waterworks, a copy of the water permit issued by the National

Water Resources Board (NWRB).

3 .1.2 Sanitary Survey

a. A sanitary survey shall be conducted by the local health office on

all proposed water supply source location. It shall be done under
the supervision of a sanitary engineer. Such sanitary survey (EHS
Form No. 121) shall be a prerequisite for the issuance of the
Drinking Water Site Clearance.

b. The sanitary survey shall include the evaluation of the site

location, type of water supply source (well, spring, etc.), type of
water use and the following:

1. Ground water supply: the slope of the ground surface,

depth of the water table (maximum drawdown), nature of
soil and underlying porous strata as determined from well
log test, distance of the nearest well, yield of the nearest
well, direction of surface run-off:

11. Wells: distance of the well from possible sources of

contamination

111. Springs: type of spring, geologic location, free flowing or

with the use of external force, possible upstream sources of
pollution, characteristic of water
 •IV. Fresh Surface Water
•
Supply: area of the
watershed/drainage, grassland area, area greater than 3%
slope, average annual rainfall, estimated annual run-off,
length of main stream, drainage density, channel gradient,
perimeter of river basin and rain water impounding
reservOir

v. Other required technical data that may influence the

development of the water source.

3.1.3 Issuance of the Drinking Water Site Clearance

After the result of the sanitary survey has been evaluated and found to be
satisfactory, a Drinking Water Site Clearance (EHS Form No. 122) shall
be issued by the local health authority as recommended by the local health
officer. The amount of fees for the clearance shall be set through
city/municipal ordinance.

3.2 INITIAL PERMIT ("Notice to Proceed")

3 .2.1 Requirements

Persons or entities intending to develop drinking water supply system shall

submit the following to the Regional Health Oftice concerned:

a. A copy of the Drinking Water Site Clearance issued by the local

health office.

b. Engineering report and/or feasibility study, including assessment

ofwater source and system capacity and pressure to meet the water
demands of intended beneficiaries or clients.

c. Plans and specifications and other required document signed and

sealed by a privately practicing licensed sanitary engineer.

3 .2.2 Review and Evaluation.

The plans and specifications and other necessary documents for the
construction of the water source shall be reviewed and evaluated by the
Supervising Sanitary Engineer at the Regional Health Office. He shall
submit his findings and recommendation to the Regional Health Director.

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 3.2.3
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Issuance ofthe Initial Permit ("Notice to Proceed")

The Regional Health Director shall issue or deny the issuance of the Initial
Permit to the applicant based on the findings and recommendation of the
Supervising Sanitary Engineer. No construction, installation and
operation of the water source shall be done without an approved Initial
Permit issued by the Regional Health Director.

3.3 OPERATIONAL PERMIT

3.3.1 Requirements

After completion of construction works on the water supply system, the

following shall be submitted to the Regional Health Office concerned:

a. Report of inspection of completed construction works and

complete disinfection of the system from the local health office

b. Report of inspection verifying completeness of construction works

and disinfection from the regional and/or provincial sanitary
engmeer

c. Result of the water sampling and testing conducted by a DOH-

accredited water analysis laboratory.

3.3.2 Issuance of Operational Permit

The Regional Health Director shall issue or deny the issuance of the
Operational Permit to the applicant based on the findings and
recommendation of the Supervising Sanitary Engineer. The applicant
shall be informed on the permit status and action to be taken, in case
negative findings were noted. No water supply source shall be operated
for drinking purposes without an Operational Pe1mit issued by the
Regional Health Director.

3.3.3 Grounds for Revocation/Suspension of the Operational Permit

a. Errors found in the plans and specifications

b. Incorrect or inaccurate data or information found in the application

c. Non-compliance with terms and conditions ofPermit

d. Repair was not done as prescribed, rendering the water unsafe for
human consumption

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Disinfection of the water system was not done after disruption of
water service or disinfection was not done after a recent repair
work in the water system. The drinking water system shall be
flushed and disinfected before being placed in service after
construction, repair or modification and after emergency situation
such as flood, that may introduce contaminants to the system.

f. Unauthorized change, modification or alteration in the approved

plans and specifications and/or in the type of construction.

g. Other causes that may be discovered during the operation of the

water system, which is not in accordance with these rules and
regulations and the DOH standards.

3.4 CERTIFICATE OF POTABILITY OF DRINKING WATER

3.4.1 Requirements

The issuance of the Certificate of Potability of Drinking Water shall be

based on the following:

a. Results of the water sampling and testing conducted by a DOH-

accredited water analysis laboratory

b. Reports and recommendation of the Local Drinking Water Quality

Monitoring Committee (LDWQMC)

3.4.2 Issuance of the Certificate of Potability of Drinking Water (CPDW)

a. The city or municipal health officer is hereby deputized by the

Secretary of Health to issue Certificate of Potability of Drinking
Water.

b. The frequency of the evaluation and re-validation of the CPDW

shall be in accordance with the standard interval or frequency of
sampling specified in the Philippine National Standards for
Drinking Water.

c. Fees for the certification shall be in such amount as set through

city/municipal ordinance.

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 3.4.3
• •
Grounds for Revocation of the Certificate of Potability of Drinking
Water

a. Non-compliance with maximum contaminant level set by the

Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water as shown in the
result of most recent water analysis

b. The result of the water analysis was not evaluated and

recommended by the Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring
Committee

c. The laboratory where the water sample was submitted and

analyzed is not a DOH-accredited laboratory.

d. Other compelling reasons (e.g. false or misleading results of water

analysis, etc.)

e. The Operational Permit was revoked/suspended earlier by the

Department.

3.5 REQUIRED MEASURES FOR THE OPERATOR OF THE WATER

SYSTEM IN CASE WATER IS FOUND OR DECLARED UNSAFE FOR
DRINKING

The operator of the water supply system shall:

3.5.1 Immediately stop the operation ofthe part of the water distribution system
that was detected to be hazardous for human consumption

3.5.2 Immediately inform the Department and the local health office of the
condition of the water system. In such cases, the local health office shall
immediately inform the local health authority who shall convene the Local
Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee. The Committee shall
announce to the public:

a. The status of the drinking water and the precautionary measures

that should be done by the public during the crisis

b. The limited usage of the water being supplied (e.g. for bathing,
washing clothes, watering plants, washing cars, etc.)

3.5.3 Refrain from unauthorized declaration of the quality of the drinking water
to the public without any prior clearance from the Department or the Local
Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee

10

~//
 3. 5.4
•
Assume the obligation of print and media expenses in the pronouncement
of the situation to the public

3.5.5 Institute immediate repair of the affected portion/s of the water supply
system

3.5.6 Provide substantial quantity of drinking water to the affected consumers

3. 5. 7 Conduct complete disinfection of the affected portion of the water system

and collect water samples for laboratory analysis

3.5.8 Wait for the clearance from the Department or the Local Drinking Water
Quality Monitoring Committee and the re-issuance of the Certificate of
Potability of Drinking Water by the city/municipal health officer before
the full operation of the water system

3. 5. 9 Submit to the Department and the Local Drinking Water Quality

Monitoring Committee the water supplier's contingency plans for such
situation

3.6 DISTRIBUTION LINES, DELIVERY AND RETENTION

3.6.1 Water Distribution Lines

a. All openings through floors over the water distribution areas shall
be provided with sleeves securely bonded to the floor construction
and projecting not less than 19.1 mm (3/4 inch) above top of the
finished floor with space between sleeve and pipe or duct sealed.

1. All pipes and fittings used for water conveyance shall be

made of materials acceptable to the Department

u. All plastic pipes and fittings that are or will be exposed to

ultraviolet light (UV) shall be provided with protective
coating or UV protector

111. All valves that are used in water conveyance systems shall
be of food grade quality

IV. All water distribution systems shall be provided with

isolation valves in branch lines or grid lines

v. Appropriate control and regulating valves shall be provided

where needed.

l
11
 b.
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Water shall be received by the refilling station establishment from
the source through the use of the public water main or one or more
of the following that shall be constructed, maintained and operated
in accordance with these rules and regulations:

i. Private water system, water pumps, ptpes, hoses,

connection and other appurtenances

u. Mobile bulk water tanks

ut. Water containers

tv. Rain water catchment reservoir.

3.7 MONITORING OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

3.7.1 The city/municipal health office shall cause the monitoring of the
operation of the drinking water supply system and the quality of drinking
water produced and distributed within the system through the Local
Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee.

3.7.2 Report from the water supplier of the following shall be obtained and
reported to the Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring committee:

a. Description of the vertical and horizontal extent of the source

aquifer using existing data that will be used to define the recharge
area of the aquifer

b. Report on any additional improvement or constructions of the

spnng or well, well installation, surface catchment and intake
structures

c. Watershed survey of the recharge area or zone of influence of the

water source that identifies and evaluates actual and potential
sources of contamination which shall be updated every three years,
including any reported discharge that may affect the source

d. A plan for special monitoring of any significant contaminant

source and the appropriate corrective measures to protect the water
source

e. Regular monitoring of quality of water supplies.

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SECTION 4 SANITARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OPERATION
•
OF RETAIL WATER SYSTEM OR REFILLING
STATION
4.1 SANITARY PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

4.1.1 No person or entity shall operate a retail water system (RWS) or refilling
station for commercial purposes without securing a Sanitary Permit from
the city/municipal health office. The following documents shall be
submitted as requirements for the issuance of the permit:

a. Operational Permit and Certificate of Potability of Drinking Water

for retail water system or refilling station where raw water is
sourced from private water supply system

b. Certificate of Potability of Drinking Water for retail water system

or refilling station where raw water is sourced from public water
supply system. However, validation water samples shall be
required to confirm that there is no cross-connection in the main
lines and/or seepage from the water main

c. Plans and specification for the complete multi-stage water

purification design of the plant prepared by a privately practicing
licensed sanitary engineer (R.A.1364 and P .D. 1096) shall be
submitted with each application for a sanitary permit. Such plans
and specifications shall be subject for review and approval by the
city/municipal health officer as recommended by a government
employed licensed sanitary engineer

4.1.2 Any additional construction, alteration or renovation in the establishment

or any alteration, addition or deletion or any changes in the water
treatment process, which is not indicated in the approved as-built design,
shall require a new sanitary permit. Violation of this provision shall be a
ground for the immediate revocation or suspension of the sanitary permit.
~-

4.1.3 Application or Renewal of Sanitary Permit

a. The application or renewal of the sanitary permit shall be filed

with the city or municipal health office having jurisdiction over the
establishment. Existing establishment operating before the
issuance of these rules and regulations shall be evaluated by the
local health office and shall be required to conform to these rules
and regulations before the renewal or issuance of the sanitary
permit.

cfh-,.!J
14
 b.
• •
The sanitary permit shall be issued only upon compliance to at
least a satisfactory rating of the establishment and its product
quality, utilizing the sanitary inspection form.

c. Fees shall be paid to the local government unit upon application or

renewal of sanitary permit. The amount of fees shall be set through
city or municipal ordinance.

4.1.4 Noting of Permit. If there is a change in ownership of the establishment,

the new owner shall apply at the city/municipal health office within
fourteen (14) working days to have such change noted in the records and
sanitary permit and shall pay the corresponding fee in respect of such
noting.

4.1.5 Validity. The sanitary permit shall be valid on the day of issuance until
the last day of December of the same year, unless otherwise revoked, and
shall be renewed every beginning of the year, thereafter.

4.1.6 Revocation/Suspension. Upon the recommendation of the local health

officer, the sanitary permit shall be suspended or revoked by the local
health authority upon violation of any sanitary rules and regulations.

4 .1. 7 Posting. The sanitary permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place of the
establishment for public information and shall be available for inspection
by authorized health and other regulatory personnel.

4.1.8 Record of Sanitary Permit.

a. Every city or municipal health office shall keep a record of all

establishments that have been issued sanitary permit and renewal
thereof

b. The record shall in every case show the following:

1. The name and address of the holder of the sanitary permit;

n. The location of the establishment;

iii. The nature/kind of business for which the permit has been
issued;

IV. The registered business name ofthe establishment;

v. The date the first permit was issued and the dates of any
renewal thereof;

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 •
v1.
•
Any alteration, renovation, additional construction in the
establishment;

vn. Any alteration, addition, deletion or any change m the

water purification process;

vm. Every change of management of the establishment since the

first permit was issued;

IX. Sanitary conditions under which the permit was issued or

any renewal thereof granted; and

x. Any revocation of the sanitary permit.

c. The record shall be available at all reasonable times for inspections

by any authorized officer of the Department or the local
government unit concerned.

4.2 SANITARY STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS

4.2.1 Location.

a. The establishment shall be located in areas or zones designated by

existing laws or local ordinance

b. The establishment shall be at least twenty-five (25) meters away

from direct sources of pollution.

c. The site shall not be subject to flooding. In areas where frequent

, ..};._
flooding occurs, the establishment shall be designed in such a
manner that the water purification process will not be
contaminated by flood water.

d. Source water and power shall be available.

4.2.2 Plans and Specifications

a. The plans and specifications of the retail water system or refilling

station establishment shall be signed and sealed by a privately
practicing licensed sanitary engineer and submitted to the local
health office for review and approval.

b. The design, construction and specification of delivery vehicles,

mobile water tankers or bulk water tankers shall be submitted by
the applicant to the local health office for approval. On-site
visitation, where necessary, shall be conducted by the local health
office.
 • •
4.2.3 Plant Construction and Design

a. In the design of the plant, rooms or facilities shall be provided for

the refilling, selling, purification equipment (enclosed room),
container washing and sanitizing, container storage (separate for
filled and empty), production or source water storage facilities,
toilet room and other rooms and facilities (e.g. parking area), as
may be required by the city/municipal health office. Rooms that
should be under positive pressure of purified air (e.g. filling room)
shall be determined by the city/municipal health office.

b. Room/Facility Area Allocation.

Refilling and Selling Room 9.50 square meters (minimum)

Water Purification Room 3. 10 square meters per person
(clear of all equipment)
Container Washing and 6. 00 square meters (plus 3 .1 0
Sanitizing Room square meters for every
additional personnel)
Container Storage Room:
1. Filled 1. Sufficient area; per
approved plan
2. Empty 2. Sufficient area; per
approved plan
Sufficient space that will allow
Production/Source Water free movement during the
Storage Facilities conduct of inspection
1.77 square meters per
Office Space person (clear of all furniture
and equipment)
2.80 square meters per person
Changeroom (inclusive of lockers or other
facilities)
Toilet Room Per Toilet Structural
Requirement
Parking Area (optional) 30 square meters plus 10
square meters for each
additional car

c. All doors and partitions shall be of see-through finished materials

(e.g. glass, approved plastic materials) for the purpose of
transparent product processing and satisfactory supervision.

17
d.
• •
All customer service openings shall be so designed and constructed
as to minimize the entrance of dust, seepage and other
contaminants and to protect against entrance of insects and rodents.

e. All rooms used for processing, handling and selling shall be

constructed in accordance with the following requirements:

1. Floors. Floors shall be constructed of concrete or other

impervious, non-skid and easily cleaned material and shall
be adequately graded and drained. Store or selling area, if
provided with floor drain, shall be ofthe 11 closed 11 type.

n. Walls. The internal surface ofwalls shall be smooth, even,

non-absorbent and easily cleaned without damaged to the
surface. It shall be painted with light color or finished with
light colored materials. All angles between the floor and
walls shall be rounded off to a height of 7.62 centimeters.
All angles between walls and ceilings shall be sealed as to
leave no spaces or cracks which would permit
accumulation of dust and dirt or provide harborage for
vermin. Walls of toilet, bath and other rooms/premises
subject to wetting shall be constructed of impervious, non-
absorbent materials to a height of not less than two (2)
meters from the floor.

n1. Ceilings. Ceilings shall be constructed of smooth, non-

absorbent and easily cleaned material and painted with light
color.

1v. Doors. Doors shall be self-closing and tight fitting with

smooth and non-absorbent surfaces.

v. Lighting. All rooms shall be provided with a minimum

illumination intensity of 20 foot-candle (215 .20 lux)

v1. Ventilation: Each personnel shall be allotted a room

volume of at least twelve (12) cubic meter.

1. When only natural ventilation is provided, all rooms

shall have a window opening of at least 10% of the
t1oor area. Windows shall be kept clean and in
good condition.

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 • 2.
•
In the absence of effective natural ventilation,
mechanical ventilation with airflow from a clean
area and discharged in such manner as not to create
nuisance, shall be provided with the following:

a. Air-conditioning Unit - provide 1.5 HP

(6,000 BTU/hr) air-conditioner for every 50
cubic meter room volume.

b. Exhaust Fans or Blower - provide 25.40-

cm diameter blower fan per 3 5 cubic meter
room volume.

c. Toilet and Bathroom- provide a 15.24-cm

diameter exhaust fan per 10 cubic meter
room volume. Mechanical exhaust systems
· shall be connected to the light circuits of
windowless bathrooms.

3. All selling and filling and water purification rooms

shall preferably be air-conditioned.

4. All rooms shall be provided with odor absorber or

with an installed air purifier.

5. Air circulated in the room of the establishments

shall be supplied through air inlets arranged, located
and equipped so that the personnel and customers
are not subjected to air velocities exceeding 1.02
meter per second. Not less than three (3) changes of
air per hour shall be provided.

f No room or space shall be used in connection with the purification

ofwater, handling, capping, sealing, storage, sale and other related
activities which is at anytime used as a sleeping quarter or directly
connected to a toilet or in which animal is kept or which is or has
been used for any purpose that would likely contaminate the water.
Persons not directly involved in the process, including children,
shall be allowed in these service areas.

g. It is strictly prohibited for RWS or refilling station establishments,

particularly in the water processing, refilling and selling rooms, to
conduct other business (e.g. selling grocery items, dry goods,
cosmetics, etc.) or allow to display or store their items in the
establishment other than the RWS materials.

~
l19
4.3
•
SANITARY FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS
•
The retail water system or refilling station establishment shall provide adequate
sanitary facilities including, but not limited to, the following:

4.3.1 Water Supply

a. There shall be an adequate supply of water for the operations and

maintenance of the establishment and its facilities.

b. The water source shall be protected from possible contamination

that will adversely affect its potability and palatability.

c. The water supply going to the water purification

machines/equipment shall be protected from backflow and
backpressure from in-machine water.

d. Booster, pneumatic, pressure or other pumps shall be prohibited to

be connected directly to main water lines when water source is
from public water supply system.

e. The plumbing system, water piping, connections, fittings and hoses

conveying water shall be constructed, installed and repaired with in
accordance with the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.

f. Air Gap. The air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood
rim of the plumbing fixture, equipment or non-water equipment
shall be at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet or as
per the following schedule:

20
 • Fixture
•
Minimum Air Gap (em)
When not
Affected by When
Near Wall Affected by
Near Wall
Lavatories with effective
opening not greater than 1.27 em 2.54 3.81
diameter
Sink, laundry, trays and
gooseneck bath faucets with
effective opemngs not greater 3.81 5.72
than 1. 91 em diameter
Over nm bath fillers with
effective opemngs not greater 5.08 7.62
than 2.54 em diameter
Effective opening greater than 2 x Effective 3 x Effective
2.54 em O_Q_enin_g_ O_Q_ening

g. Backflow Prevention Device. The backflow or backsiphonage

prevention device installed on a water supply system shall meet the
National Plumbing Code of the Philippine's standards for
construction, installation, maintenance, inspection and testing for
that specific application and type of device.

h. Cross Connection.

1. No person shall install any water operated equipment or

mechanism, or use any water treating chemical or
substance, if it is found that such equipment, mechanism,
chemical or substance may cause pollution or
contamination of the domestic water supply. Such
equipment or mechanism may be permitted only when
equipped with an approved backflow prevention device or
assembly.

ii. Approval of Devices or Assemblies. No device or

assembly used for the prevention of backflow shall be
installed, removed, relocated, or substituted without the
approval of the local health office. Devices or assemblies
shall be tested for conformity with recognized standards or
other standards acceptable to the Department.

r
21

v
 •
111.
•
The person or persons having control of such devices or
assemblies shall maintain them in good working condition.
The local health office may inspect such devices or
assemblies and if found to be defective or inoperative, shall
require the repair or replacement thereof

1. Conditioning Device. Water filters screens and other water-

conditioning devices installed on water lines shall be designed to
facilitate disassembly for periodic servicing and clearing. Water
filters shall be of the replaceable type.

J. Prohibited Connections.

1. No installation of potable water supply ptpmg or part

thereof shall be made in such a manner that it will be
possible for used, unclean, polluted or contaminated water,
mixtures or substances to enter any portion of such piping
from any tank, receptacle, equipment or plumbing fixture
by reason of back-siphonage, by suction or any other
cause, either during normal use and operation thereof or
when any such tank, receptacle equipment or plumbing
fixture is flooded or subject to pressure in excess of the
operating pressure in the hot or cold water piping.

11. No person shall make a connection or allow one to exist

between pipes or conduits carrying domestic water supplied
by any public or private water service system, and any
pipes, conduits or fixtures containing or carrying water
from any other source or which has been used for any other
purpose whatsoever, or any piping carrying chemicals,
liquids, gases or substances whatsoever, unless there is
provided a backflow prevention device approved for the
potential hazard.

111. No plumbing fixture, device or construction shall be

installed or maintained or shall be connected to any
domestic water supply when such installation or connection
may provide a possibility of polluting such water supply or
may provide a cross connection between a distribution
system of water for drinking and domestic purposes and
water which may become contaminated by such plumbing
fixture, device or construction· unless there is provided a
backflow prevention device approve for the potential
hazard.

22
 •
IV.
•
No water p1pmg supplied by any private water supply
system shall be connected to any other source of supply
without the approval of the local health office.

k. Potable Water Piping

1. Whenever a water filter, water softener or water treating

device, or other similar device is installed in any water
supply line, the pressure loss through such devices shall be
included in the pressure loss calculations of the system, and
the water supply pipe and meter shall be adequately sized
to provide for any such pressure loss.

11. No water filter, water softener, backflow prevention device,

or other similar device shall be installed in any potable
water supply piping when the diameter of the inlet or outlet
of any such device or its connecting piping is less than the
diameter of such water supply piping or when the
installation of such device produces an excessive pressure
drop in any such water supply piping.

111. All such devices shall be approved by the local health

office and shall be tested for flow rating and pressure loss
by an approved laboratory or recognized testing agency in
accordance to standards consistent with the intent of these
rules and regulations.

IV. The quantity of water required to be supplied to every

plumbing fixture shall be represented by fixture units.

v. In localities where there is fluctuation of pressure in the

main throughout the day, the water piping system shall be
designed on the basis of the minimum pressure available.

23
4.3.2
•
Toilet Facilities
•
a. Adequate and clean toilet facilities shall be provided for personnel
use.

Number Water
of Closet Urinal Lavatory
Personnel Male Female Male Female
5 -29 1 1 - 1 1
30-49 1 2 1 2 2
50-99 2 2 2 3 3
For every 100 - up, one (1) fixture for each additional 50
personnel

b. The toilet shall not open directly into spaces where product water
is being purified and handled.

c. The toilet door shall be tight fitting and self-closing.

d. Toilet room shall be completely enclosed, properly lighted and

ventilated.

e. RWS employing less than five ( 5) personnel shall provide at least

one (1) water closet and one (1) handwashing lavatory.

f. Toilet room for women shall be provided with receptacle for

sanitary napkins.

g. Toilet Structural Requirements:

The approval of the city/municipal health officer as recommended

by the sanitary engineer shall be required on the following:

1. Plans of the toilet;

u. Individual sewage disposal system, sub-surface absorption

system or other secondary or waste water treatment device;

l
~
24
 •111. Minimum space requirement:
•
Unit Sa. m.!Unit Sa. ft./Unit
Water Closet 1.50 16
Lavatories 1.11 12
Urinals 1.11 12
Showers 1.11 12

1. Minimum height of ceiling= 2.5 meters

2. Lighting= not less than 10 foot-candle (107.6lux)

3. Natural ventilation window space shall be at least

25% of the floor area of the toilet room

4. Mechanical ventilation= use of exhaust fan

h. At least one (1) service sink or one ( l) curbed cleaning facility

equipped with a floor drain shall be provided and conveniently
located for the cleaning of mops or similar wet cleaning tools and
for the disposal of mop water and similar liquid waste for the retail
water system establishment or refilling stations.

4.3.3 Hand-Washing Facilities

a. Wash-hand basins shall be provided and installed in convenient

location and as near as practicable to where the person for whose
use they are provided.

b. There shall be adequate supply of soap, nail brush, clean towels or

other suitable hand-drying facilities.

c. Handwashing lavatory shall not be used for purposes other than

handwashing.

4.3.4 Liquid Waste Management

t
a. Waste water treatment and disposal shall be strictly enforced in
accordance with the provisions of the IRR on Chapter XVII -
"Sewage Collection and Disposal, Excreta Disposal and Drainage"
ofthe Code on Sanitation ofthe Philippines, P.D. 856.

25
4.3.5
•
Solid Waste Management
•
a. Indoor Storage Area and Receptacles. If located within the
establishment, storage areas for refuse, recyclable, and returnable
and refuse receptacles shall comply to the requirements of Sec. 4-
"Sanitary Requirements for the Segregation and Storage of
Refuse/Solid Waste" of the IRR of Chapter XVIII, "Refuse
Disposal" of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines', P.D. 856.

b. Outdoor Storage Surface. An outdoor storage surface for refuse,

recyclables, and returables shall be constructed of non-absorbent
material such as concrete or asphalt and shall be smooth, durable
and sloped to drain.

c. Outdoor Enclosure. If used, outdoor enclosures for refuse,

recyclables and returnables shall be constructed of durable and
easy to clean materials.

d. All waste materials shall be handled in such a manner as to avoid

contamination ofwater.

e. All other pertinent provisions of the IRR of Chapter XVIII-"Refuse

Disposal" of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, P.D. 856 is
hereby adopted and made an integral part of these rules and
regulations.

4.3.6 Vermin Control

a. A vermin abatement program shall be maintained in the

establishment by the operator/owner. The methods and procedures
for vermin control shall be in accordance with the implementing
rules and regulations of Chapter XVI- "Vermin Control" of the
Sanitation Code of the Philippines, P.D. 856.

4.3.7 Changeroom

a. RWS or refilling station establishment shall provide a changeroom

and suitable lockers or other facilities for the orderly storage of
clothing and personal belonging of employees and where personnel
could change from their street clothes before working and vice
versa. It is prohibited to have any clothing, including gowns and
aprons, in other places in the establishment except in the places
abovementioned.

b. The facilities shall be so situated and arranged that there is no

contamination of refilled water.
 • •
c. Where the number of persons engaged or employed is five (5) or
more of either sex, there shall be provided separate changing room
for each sex.

d. Changeroom shall be cleaned and disinfected at least once a week,

or more frequently as may be necessary.

4.4 SANITARY PROCESSING AND OPERATION PROCEDURES

4.4.1 Water Purification Process

a. The water treatment or purification process shall be capable of

producing drinking water that is clear, colorless and free from
objectionable taste and odor. The product water shall not contain
any substance, organism, chemical or radioactive material at a
concentration which could endanger the lives of the consuming
public.

b. The design of the water treatment or purification process shall be

based on the characteristic of the source water and the availability
of appropriate purification technology. The design shall be
environmentally sound, ecologically safe and cost-efficient. The
water purification process shall include an air filtration to
minimize the recontamination of the product water.

c. The product water shall show 11 No Residual 11 of any disinfectant

used.

d. An appropriate quality monitoring program for the water treatment

or purification system shall be established in accordance to
manufacturers' requirements. The program shall include recording
the conditions and performance of equipment.

4.4.2 Washing and Sanitizing of Water Containers, Caps and Dispensers

a. Containers, caps and dispensers for refilled water provided by the

RWS shall be of non-toxic, non-corrosive and food grade quality
materials.

b. Water containers or dispensers for sale or lease from the RWS or

refilling stations shall be subject to testing and certification by the
Department.

27
c.
• •
Product water operators shall submit to the local health office the
certification by the Department indicating the acceptability of the
container.

d. All water containers and caps provided by the establishment or

provided by customers shall be thoroughly washed with water
from approved source prior to sanitizing. Warm water with a
temperature range of 46 octo 49 oc (115 op- 120 °F) or a strong
alkaline solution with pH of 10.5 may be used to aid in the
cleaning process.

e. Sanitizing solution and/or process shall be applied to all water

containers and caps after washing. It shall be the responsibility of
the RWS or refilling station operator to see to it that washing and
sanitizing of containers are conducted before filling it with product
water. Tpe sanitizing process may be by means of chemical, dry or
moist heat agent or other approved procedures. Chemical
sanitization using 60%-75% available chlorine shall be based on
the standard attached as Annex 1.

f. Only DOH-approved sanitizing solution and/or process shall be

permitted. The following data regarding the sanitizing solution
shall be submitted for evaluation by the Department:

1. Health Hazard Data (signs and symptoms; first-aid

procedures and medical conditions generally recognized as
aggravated by exposure);

11. Reactivity Data (stability, stability-conditions to avoid,

hazardous decomposition products, hazardous
polymerization, hazardous polymerization-conditions to
avoid);

111. Spill or Leak Procedures (steps to be taken in case

material is released or spilled, waste disposal
information);

IV. Special Protection Information (respiratory protection,

ventilation, protective gloves, eye protection, other
protective measures);

v. Special Precautions (precautionary labeling);

Vl. Other Handling and Storage Conditions;

t', 28
 •vn.
•
A clear statement of the types of water purification systems
intended for sanitizer treatment is also necessary to enable
the Department to estimate probable chronic human
exposure to a sanitizer and its component; and

vm. The manner in which the sanitization is performed (e.g.,

clean-in-place, immersion, etc.) and the types of equipment
intended for treatment (e.g. containers, utensils, conveyer,
belt, tanks, flat work surfaces, etc).

g. Treatment of containers or surface shall not be followed by a water

rinse prior to its contact with the refilled water. Where rinsing is
done, refilled water shall be used for rinsing.

h. There shall be "adequate draining" of the treated containers,

equipment or contact surfaces.

1. There shall be no residual of the sanitizer in the product water

(sanitizing solutions are considered as indirect food additives).

4.4.3 Filling and Capping

a. Before being used, filling equipment (designed to be cleaned in-

place) shall be thoroughly cleansed and sanitized in-place.

1. An alkaline solution of appropriate strength shall be

recirculated through the filler to provide effective cleaning
of all product water contact surfaces, with a minimum
recirculation time of 20 minutes at a temperature between
60°C and 76.67°C.

n. The cleaning solution shall be drained and followed with

potable water rinse-to-drain for the removal of all residual
alkalinity. The step may be supplemented by the
application of an acidified rinse prior to the potable water
rinse in order to neutralize any residual alkalinity on
product contact surfaces.

b. Immediately following completion of filling operations, the filler

shall be thoroughly rinsed internally and externally with potable
water.

c. Parts of the filler that are not designed to be cleaned in-place shall
be disassembled and removed. All these parts shall be cleansed
and sanitized prior to reassembly using DOH -approved cleansing
and sanitizing procedure.

t 29
 d.
• •
All surfaces of the filler that do not come in contact with the water
shall be cleaned manually so as to render all surfaces free of
residues.

e. Any other cleaning, rinsing, or sanitization operations or processes

not mentioned above shall be subject to the approval of the
city/municipal health officer.

f. Filling of containers with water shall be in a manner that it will not

come in contact with hands or other surfaces that may contaminate
the water.

g. The rim of the container when filling shall be pointed directly to

the water-dispensing nozzle during filling.

h. The container shall be properly and immediately capped after

filling. Precautions shall be observed when workers manually cap
the container.

1. Sanitary Cap or equivalent cap for 5-gallons bulk water container

shall be used to prevent the contamination of the neck of the
container before placing it to the dispenser.

J. Five-gallon bulk water containers shall preferably be provided with

handle or "ears" or a carrying strand attached to the container's
groove or in the neck. Bulk water containers shall be carried only
with the use of a container's grabber or handler.

4.4.4 Storage ofWater

a. Storage tank/sump/reservoir design, materials, specification and

location shall be reviewed and approved by local health office
before its construction/ installation.

b. The design of the steel tank shall include the manhole/opening,

drainpipe, and vermin proofed vent and inlet and outlet pipes.

C. Materials that are used in the construction of a steel storage tank

shall be made of non-toxic materials, durable, corrosion-resistant,
and non- absorbent and finished to have a smooth, easily cleaned
surface. Soldering joints materials shall be based on DOH
approved materials and procedure.

30
 d.
• •
Concrete sumps, tanks and reservoirs shall be tested for water
tightness. Internal finishing construction materials shall be
approved by the local health office.

e. All water storage facilities shall be cleaned and sanitized at least

once a month.

f Refilled water in containers awaiting delivery shall be stored in

cool room temperature (26°C-28°C) and relative humidity of 60%.

g. Refilled water shall be stored in dry environment away from

chemicals and solvents (e.g. household cleaning products,
gasoline, paint thinners) and other toxic materials and
contamination.

h. Refilled water in containers shall preferably be stored in a separate

storage room.

1. Refilled water containers shall be stored in slated platform with a

height of 20 em from the floor to allow air circulation, easy
cleaning and inspection ofvermin infestation.

J. Holding time of stored refilled water shall not go beyond 24 hours.

4.4.5 Transporting of Refilled Water

a. All refilled water shall be transported in sanitary transporting

facilities inspected and approved by the local health office.

b. All refilled water containers to be transported shall be properly

arranged, crated or boxed and the containers properly capped and
protected from contamination. All vehicles shall be kept clean,
and no substance capable of contaminating the product water shall
be transported in such a manner as to permit contamination.

c. A Sanitary Clearance shall be required for every refilled water

delivery vehicle. Sanitary Clearance Fee shall be in such amount
that the city/municipality may impose through a local ordinance.
The clearance shall be posted in all delivery vehicles.

d. Delivery personnel in vehicles carrying refilled water shall see to it

that the water is maintained at room temperature (25°C-28°C).

31
 e.
• •
All deliveries of refilled water, in so far as the containers and
vehicles are concerned, shall be subject to the inspection and
approval of the local health office having jurisdiction on the area
of origin.

f. The local health offices concerned at the rece1vmg point of

deliveries may also conduct inspection of the containers and
vehicles and findings referred to the counterpart local health office
as mentioned above.

SECTION 5 SANITARY REQUIREMENTS FOR MOBILE WATER

TANKS AND BULK WATER FOR DRINKING

5.1 SANITARY CLEARANCE

5.1.1 A Sanitary Clearance shall be required for all water tankers. Fee for the
clearance shall be in such amount that the city/municipality may impose
through a local ordinance. The Sanitary Clearance shall be posted in each
individual water tanker vehicle.

5.1.2 All deliveries of bulk water for drinking shall be subject to the inspection
and approval of the local health office having jurisdiction of the area of
ongm.

5.1.3 The local health offices concerned at the receiving point of deliveries may
also conduct inspection of the bulk water and findings referred to the
counterpart local health office mentioned above.

5.1.4 Except during exigencies (e.g., disasters, calamities) and subject to the
guidelines issued by the Department, no mobile water purification plant
(e.g., Point-Of-Entry and Point-Of-Use) shall be allowed to operate. The
operation of the mobile plants shall also require a Sanitary Clearance from
the local health office.

5.2 MOBILE WATER TANKS

5.2.1 Materials for Mobile Water Tanks. Materials that are used in the
construction of a mobile water tank and appurtenances shall be safe, made
of or finished internally with non-toxic materials, durable, corrosion-
resistant, non-absorbent and finished to have a smooth, easily cleaned
surface.

5.2.2 System and Drain. The mobile water tank shall be enclosed from the
filling inlet to the discharge outlet and sloped to an outlet that allows
complete drainage of the tank.

32

v
5.2.3
• •
Access Port. If a mobile water tank is designed with an access port for
inspection and cleaning, the opening shall be in the top of the tank and
flanged upward at least 13 mm and equipped with a port cover assembly
that is provided with a gasket and a device for securing the cover in place,
and flanged to overlap the opening and sloped to drain.

5.2.4 "V" Type Threads. A fitting with 11 V 11 type threads on a water tank inlet
or outlet shall be allowed only when a hose is permanently attached.

5.2.5 Tank Vent. If provided, a water tank vent shall terminate in a downward
direction and shall be covered with 16 mesh screen or equivalent when the
vent is in a protected area, or a protective filter when the vent is in an area
that is not protected from windblown dirt and debris.

5.2.6 Inlet and Outlet. A water tank and its inlet and outlet shall be sloped to
drain. The inlet shall be positioned so that it is protected from
contamination such as grease, road dust or waste discharge.

5.2. 7 Hose. A hose used for conveying drinking water shall be safe, durable,
non-absorbent, resistant to pitting, chipping, crazing, scratching, scoring,
distortion and decomposition and shall be finished with a smooth interior
surface, and clearly and durably identified as to its use if not permanently
attached.

5.2.8 Filter. A filter that does not allow passage of oil or oil vapor shall be
installed in the air supply line between the compressor and drinking water
system when compressed air is used to pressurize the water tank filter.

5.2.9 Protective Device or Cover. A cap and keeper chain, closed cabinet,
closed storage tube or other approved protective cover or device shall be
provided for a water inlet, outlet and hose.

5.2.10 Small Mobile Water Tank. The water tank inlet shall have a 19.1 mm
inner diameter or less and provided with a hose, with a hose connection of
a size or type that will prevent its use for any other service.

5.2.11 System Flushing and Disinfection. The water tank pump and hoses shall
be flushed and sanitized before being placed in service after construction,
repair, modification and period of non-use.

5.2.12 Backflow Prevention. Persons operating the water tank and hoses shall
prevent that backflow and other contamination of water supply.

5.2.13 Fitting. If not in use, a water tank and hose inlet and outlet fitting shall be
protected using a cover or device.

J 33
 • •
5.2.14 Water tank pump and hoses used for conveying drinking water shall not be
used for other purpose.

5.3 BULK WATER FOR DRINKING

5.3.1 Product water shall not be transported or stored in bulk tanks, or processed
or placed through equipment or lines for non-food products.

5.3.2 Bulk water shall be from approved source.

5.3.3 Bulk shipment ofwater prior to transporting to RWS or to consumers shall

be disinfected. Free residual chlorine reading shall be maintained between
0.20 to 0.50 ppm until water reaches the plant or the household.

5.3.4 Representative samples shall be taken from shipment ofthe bulk water for
the analyses of coliform and Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC). The
minimum frequency of sampling shall be one sample from each tanker on
a weekly basis. Record of the deliveries and laboratory results of water
sample shall be available for inspection by the Department or the local
health office.

SECTION 6 SANITARY REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER VENDING

MACHINES AND DISPENSERS

6.1 No person shall operate a water vending machine or dispenser for commercial
purposes without securing a sanitary permit from the local health office.

6.2 The local health office may in writing, exempt establishments from securing a
separate sanitary permit for the water vending machine or dispenser when the
same is located inside a food establishment. The class of vending machine shall
be specified in the exemption form.

6.3 Commercial water vending machines or dispensers located in other

establishments (e.g., drug stores, bowling alleys, billiard halls, schools, hotel
lobby, cockpit arena, hospitals, theaters, service stations and other public places
establishments) shall not be exempted from securing sanitary permit.

~6.4 These machines shall be located only in specific places approved by the local
health office. A transfer of location shall need a new sanitary permit.

\ \6.5 Cups used in commercial water vending machines or dispensers shall be made of
recyclable single service materials.

6.6 Water vending machines or dispensers shall be registered only in the name of the
operator.

34
6. 7
• •
Operators and employees of vending machines and dispensers shall secure the
necessary health certificate.

6.8 A refuse receptacle shall be located adjacent the vending machine or dispenser.

6.9 Design ofVending Machines and Dispensers.

6.9.1 Vending machines shall be so designed that practically all parts, including
the nozzles, can be cleaned and sanitized daily.

6.9.2 Drinking water dispensers shall be so designed that the nozzles are
detachable for easy cleaning and sanitizing. The top most area where the
bulk water container are placed, shall be provided with a sanitary protector
shield or equivalent device to prevent the contamination of the drinking
water from the neck and other parts of the bulk water container.

6.9.3 Vending machines and drinking water dispensers shall not contain parts
that are made of lead or other toxic materials or will promote the growth
of microorganisms.

6.9.4 No vending machines or drinking water dispensers shall be sold or placed

for household or commercial purposes without a certification from the
Department.

SECTION 7 SANITARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF WATER
PURIFICATION EQUIPMENT, GADGETS AND
DEVICES

7.1 Any person or entity, firm or company involved in the manufacture and
sale of water purification equipment, gadgets and devices, including
household water filters and water purifiers and similar apparatus (imported
or locally made), shall submit an application to the Department through
the Environmental Health Service for review, testing and ·certification,
before they could market the said equipment, gadgets or devices.

7.2 Expenses that will be incurred by the Department on laboratory

examination and testing of the water treatment equipment, gadgets and
devices shall be charged to the applicant.

7.3 Fees for the Certification shall be in such amount that the Department will
Impose.

35

v
 •
SECTION 8 WATER QUALITY MONITORING
•
8.1 SOURCE WATER MONITORING

8.1. 1 The operator and the local health office concerned shall monitor
regularly the quality of the water source based on the following:

a. Bacteriological quality - at least monthly

b. Physical quality- at least every six (6) months

c. Chemical quality - at least every six (6) months

d. Biological quality- at least once a year

e. Monitoring of radioactive contaminants shall be done only if there

is significant input of radiation from the surrounding environment.

8.1.2 Samples for water analysis shall be submitted to water analysis laboratory
accredited by the Department.

8.2 PRODUCT WATER MONITORING

8.2.1 The quality of product water shall conform to the requirements stipulated
in these implementing rules and regulations.

8.2.2 The local health office shall monitor the product water quality at the same
frequency as the source water monitoring,.

8.2.3 The local health office may require operators of RWS or refilling station,
bulk water suppliers, or operators of water vending machines to test and
submit result for any substance, including organic chemical contaminants
at anytime the local health office believes the substance may be present in
the water source and threaten the public health.

8.3 STANDARD PARAMETERS AND VALUES FOR DRINKING WATER

8.3.1 Source water and product water for drinking purposes shall
conform to the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

8.3.2 Product or refilled water from RWS or refilling station shall,

however, contain no residual of any disinfectant used.

36
 • •
SECTION 9 REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL

9.1 HEALTH CERTIFICATE

9.1.1 No person shall be employed in any water refilling station, delivery

vehicles, water tankers and bulk water tankers, and other establishments
processing, dispensing or selling water without an up-to-date health
certificate issued by the local health officer. The certificate shall be issued
only after the required physical and medical examinations and
immunizations.

9.1.2 The health certificate (EHS Form 102-A or B) shall be clipped in the
upper left front portion of the employee's garment while working. This
will include all the personnel and driver of delivery vehicles and mobile
tankers and bulk water tankers.

9.1.3 The health certificate shall be renewed at least every year or as often as
required by local ordinance.

9.1.4 Health certificates are non-transferable.

9.1.5 Regulatory fees in the processing of the health certificate shall be m

accordance with local ordinances.

9.2 PERSONAL HYGIENE AND PRACTICES

9.2.1 All personnel of the establishments including delivery and transport

personnel shall observe good personal hygiene.

9.2.2 Personnel shall wear uniform or clean working garments (street clothes
shall not be considered as working garments) and hair restrain for those
who are handling the refilled water.

9.2.3 Washing of hands and arms before working shall be observed. Such
washing shall be repeated during working shift and after smoking, visiting
the toilet, coughing or sneezing into hands, or as often as may be

~
necessary to remove the contaminants.

9.2.4 Using, chewing or smoking tobacco in any form while processing, selling
or while in the equipment and container washing and disinfecting, is not
allowed.

9.2.5 No person afflicted with a communicable disease or a carrier of such

disease which includes boils or infected wounds, infected pimples, colds

37
 • •
or respiratory infection, diarrhea or gastrointestinal upsets and other
related illnesses, shall be allowed to handle the water processing and
vending activities.

9.2.6 The operator of the establishment shall notify the city/municipal health
officer or the company physician (if available) when any employee is
known to have a notifiable disease.

9.3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

9.3.1 Personnel working in the purification of water and those that are using
chemical disinfectant shall wear the approved type of respiratory
protection. All other personnel handling water (filling, capping, sealing,
selling, etc.) shall wear a cough mask.

9.3 .2 Personnel shall wear the approved type of safety glasses where the process
is using unsealed UV light.

9.3.3 All personnel working in the water purification room shall wear water-
resistant shoes like rubber or plastic boots, which shall only be worn
inside such room.

9.3.4 Other personal protective equipment (e.g. body, hearing, face, head, hand
protection, etc.) may be required depending on the equipment, chemicals
and other variations and conditions present in the establishment.

9.4 ERGONOMICS

9.4.1 The operator of the establishment shall ensure that all work procedures
shall be in such a manner that it will not produce undue stresses to the
musculo-skeletal system of personnel.

9.5 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

9.5.1 Plant operator or persons directly involved in the management or

supervision of RWS or refilling station shall undergo a 40-hour basic
certification course on ecology, hydrology, microbiology and parasitology,
water demand and treatment, sanitary chemistry, plumbing, public health
engineering, hazard analysis critical control point, and environmental laws
conducted by the Department or any DOH-accredited professional
organization and institution.

9.5.2 Other employees in the establishment shall attend a 20-hour water

sanitation classes to be conducted by the local health office as a pre-
requisite for the issuance of the health certificate.

38
 9.5.3
• •
Operators, managers, supervisors or employees who have undergone such
training course or equivalent courses in their formal academic course shall
be exempted from taking the basic certification course or water sanitation
classes, provided they show certification from the academic institution.

9.5.4 The plant operator and/or manager shall be responsible for the quality of
product water processed in RWS or refilling station for sale and
distribution to the public. He shall be liable to any litigation that may
arise as a result of negligent manufacture, storage, handling or distribution
of refilled product water.

SECTION 10 INSPECTION AND EVALUATION

10.1 RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

It shall be the duty of the city or municipal health officer to cause the evaluation
and inspection of every water refilling station establishment and other similar
establishments, facilities or equipment processing, dispensing or selling drinking
water at least once every three (3) months and to cause additional inspections and
re-inspections and evaluation as deemed necessary for the enforcement of these
rules and regulations. Inspection of the establishment shall be conducted within
seven (7) days after payment of the inspection fee to the city or municipal
treasurer concerned.

10.2 SANITATION AND INSPECTION FEE

The fees payable for every inspection shall be of such amount prescribed by local
ordinance.

10.3 MISSION ORDER

10.3.1 The city or municipal health officer or the chief of sanitation division/
section/unit of the local health office, as the case may be, shall issue a
mission order (EHS Form No.112) for every sanitary inspection that will
be conducted by the sanitary engineer/sanitation inspector.

10.3.2 The mission order must contain the date, mission order number and series,
the name ofthe inspector and I.D. number, the business names, addresses,
categories of establishments to be inspected and the scheduled dates of
inspection. This must be shown to the owner/operator of the establishment
before any inspection is conducted. The immediate supervisor of the
inspector shall monitor the enforcement of the mission order.

10.3.3 Sanitary inspection conducted without a mission order is prohibited.

39
 • •
10.3.4 The owner/operator of the establishment shall report to the local health
officer or chief of sanitation division/section/unit the unauthorized
inspection that was conducted.

10.4 UNIFORM OF THE INSPECTOR AND AIDS TO INSPECTION

10.4.1 The sanitary engineer or sanitation inspector shall wear the prescribed
uniform of the office with the proper identification card while conducting
the inspection.

10.4.2 He shall likewise bring all the equipment and supplies needed in the
inspection such as the inspection forms, clipboards, thermometers,
flashlight, measuring tape, camera, light meter, water pressure gauge,
sampling bottles, residual chlorine and pH comparator kits, blacklight,
etc., and copy of the sanitation laws and other materials.

10.5 RECORDING OF INSPECTION

10.5.1 The sanitary engineer/sanitation inspector shall keep a record of all his
inspections or evaluation reports in an inspection form (EHS Form 103-
R).

10.5.2 The sanitary engineer/sanitation inspector shall furnish the original of such
report to the owner/operator.

10.5.3 Demerits entered in the appropriate column of the inspection form shall
indicate that the item does not conform with the requirements of these
rules and regulations.

a. The inspection form has twenty (20) items. Non-complying items

are indicated with an (X). Every such item is weighted with a
demerit 5. The rating of the establishment is therefore: 100 less
(number of demerits x 5). The result is expressed as a percentage
(%)rating.

10.5.4 Sanitation Standard

a. The percentage rating has an equivalent sanitation standard as

follows:

Percentage Sanitation Color Code

Ratin2 Standard
90%- 100% EXCELLENT Luminous Green
70%-89% VERY
SATIFACTORY Luminous Yellow
50%-69% SATISFACTORY Red-Orange
 • •
b. The sanitation standard rating sticker (SSRS) (EHS Form No. 104
-A/C) shall be posted in a conspicuous part ofthe establishment,
preferably at the door of the RWS or refilling station, for guidance
of the customers. It shall be updated once every three- (3) months,
unless revoked earlier.

10.5.5 The average sanitation standard of every refilling station shall be

evaluated by the local health officer/chief of sanitation
division/section/unit every year-end to determine its improvement/
maintenance of rating.

10.6 REPORT OF INSPECTION

10.6.1 The sanitary engineer/sanitation inspector who conducted the inspection

shall complete the sanitary inspection report, and whenever an inspection
form issued indicates non-complying items, he shall notify the
owner/operator of the corrections to be made and indicate a reasonable
period for its compliance.

a. The recommended corrective measures shall be specific in nature

or easy understanding of the owner/operator of the establishment.

b. Reasonable period for compliance or grace period shall be

inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

10.6.2 The sanitary engineer/sanitation inspector who conducted the inspection

shall likewise prepare a sanitary order (EHS Form No. 107) for approval
by the city or municipal health officer or chief of the sanitation
division/section/unit as the case may be.

10.6.3 Within 48 hours of the inspection or evaluation, the original copy of the
inspection report (EHS Form No. 103-R) and the sanitary order shall be
furnished and acknowledged by the holder of the sanitary permit or the
owner/operator of the establishment. The inspection report shall be
personally delivered, or shall be sent through postal service, registered
with return card.

10.7 RE-INSPECTION

~
10.7.1 If upon re-inspection of the establishment after the deadline, the sanitary
engineer/ sanitation inspector finds that correction has not been affected,
he shall report to the local health officer who shall recommend to the local
health authority the revocation of sanitary permit.

41
 • •
10.9.4 The owner of the establishment may file a motion for reconsideration to
the local health authority if he is not satisfied with the action of the local
health officer.

10.9.5 The local health authority may file court proceedings against any
establishment for continuously operating after the evocation of its permit.

10.10 SUMMARY SUSPENSION OF PERMIT

Whenever the city or municipal health officer finds unsanitary or unhealthy

conditions in the operation of the establishment which constitute a substantial
hazard to public health, the local health officer shall recommend the immediate
suspension of the sanitary permit. Any person to whom such order is issued may
file a written petition and shall be afforded a hearing within 48 hours.

10.11 APPEALS

The person or panel conducting the hearing may confirm, modify or reverse the
decision appealed from which decision shall be final.

10.12 POWEROFENTRY

Any sanitary engineer/sanitation inspector or duly authorized officer of the

Department of Health or of the provincial, municipal or city health offices, upon
presentation of proper credentials may at all reasonable times enter into any
establishment for the purpose of inspection or any other action necessary for
administration of these rules and regulations.

10.12.1 Sanitary inspections shall be conducted by officials in accordance with

these rules and regulations.

10.12.2 Sanitary inspections shall be done preferably during the time while the
establishment is in operation.

10.13 HEARINGS

The local health authority may conduct hearings regarding erring establishments.
The decision of the local health authority shall be deemed final and executory.

43
 • •
10.14 VISITORIAL POWER

10.14.1 The Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee may visit any
water supplier under its jurisdiction, for the purpose of verifying the
conduct of collection of water sample, interpret the result of the
laboratory analysis, assist in the mitigation of water-borne outbreaks,
and recommend to the local health authority the immediate stoppage of a
water supply system found operating to the detriment of public health,
the imposition of fines to the water supplier and the announcement to the
public of the status of the drinking water of the locality in accordance
with these rules and regulations.

SECTION 11 RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OPERATORS OF

RETAIL WATER SYSTEM OR REFILLING
STATIONS, BULK WATER SUPPLIERS,
OPERATORS OF WATER DISPENSER OR
VENDING MACHINE

The operator shall:

11.1 Submit the plans, specification and other required documents of private water
sources before its construction to the DOH for review and approval.

11.2 Secure the necessary permits for the establishment, water dispenser or vending
machine and transport/delivery vehicles and health certificate from the local
health office.

11.3 Submit periodically the result of the required water samples for laboratory
analysis.

11.4 Secure the Certificate of Potability of Drinking Water at frequencies prescribed in

these rules and regulations.

SECTION 12 RESPONSIBILITY OF MANUJ1,ACTURER/

SUPPLIER OF WATER PURIFIER

The manufacturer/supplier shall:

Submit the product particulars for review and certification of the DOH before the
same will be offered for sale.

Submit result of laboratory analysis of treated water passing the water purifier.

(/
14.3
•
Issue directives upon the recommendation of the local health officer for the
closure of establishments operating without the necessary sanitary permit and/or
whose operation is consistent to the DOH standards and these rules and
regulations.

14.4 Prohibit the selling of water purifiers or equivalent apparatus if found not
conforming to the DOH requirements.

14.5 Enforce the provisions of these rules and regulations.

SECTION 15 RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REGIONAL HEALTH

DIRECTOR

The regional health director shall:

15.1 Issue Initial and Operational Permit to water suppliers in accordance with these
rules and regulations.

15.2 Coordinate with other government agencies, NGOs, professional associations on

the new technology of drinking water purification.

15.3 Conduct surveillance of the proliferation ofwater refilling stations and household
and commercial water purifier operating or being sold in the market without the
certification from the DOH.

15.4 Enforce the pertinent provisions ofthese rules and regulations.

SECTION 16 PENAL PROVISION

16.1 Any person who shall violate, disobey, refuse, omit or neglect (including
implementors) to comply with any of the provisions of these rules and
regulations, shall be guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished
by imprisonment for a period of not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine of not
exceeding Php 1,000.00 or both depending upon the discretion of the court.

16.2 Any person who shall interfere with or hinder, or oppose any officer, agent or
member of the Department of Health or the bureaus and offices under it, or of the
local government units or local health offices in the performance of his duty as
such under these rules and regulations, or shall tear down, mutilate, deface or alter
any placard, or notice, affixed to the promises in the enforcement of these rules
and regulations, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable upon conviction
by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine of not
exceeding Php 1,000.00 or both depending upon the discretion of the court.

46
 •
STANDARD DOSAGE OF CHLORINE TO BE USED IN
MANUAL SANITIZATION OPERATION OF
RWS CONTAINERS AND CAPS
(Immersion in Chlorine Bath with 50- 100 ppm Chlorine Compound)
(60% to 75% Available Chlorine)

DOSAGE OF CHLORINE TO BE USED

VOLUME OF
WATER IN VAT/
SINK/
CONTAINER 50 PARTS PER MILLION 100 PARTS PER MILLION IMMER-
(PPM) (PPM) SION
TIME
TEA- TABLE TEA- TABLE-
LITERS GALLONS GRAMS SPOON SPOON GRAMS SPOON SPOON
(gms.) FULL FULL (gms.) FULL FULL

5 1.25 0.35 0.07 0.04 0.71 0.14 0.07

10 2.50 0.71 0.14 0.07 1.42 0.28 0.14
15 3.75 1.06 0.21 0.11 2.13 0.43 0.22
20 5.00 1.42 0.28 0.14 2.84 0.57 0.29
25 6.25 1.77 0.35 0.18 3.54 0.71 0.36 At least
30 7.50 2.13 0.43 0.22 4.25 0.85 0.43 two (2)
35 8.75 2.48 0.50 0.25 4.96 0.99 0.50 minutes in
40 10.00 2.83 0.57 0.29 5.67 1.13 0.56 lukewarm
45 11.25 3.19 0.64 0.32 6.38 1.28 0.64 water with
50 12.50 3.54 0.71 0.36 7.09 1.42 0.71 Chlorine
55 13.75 3.90 0.78 0.39 7.80 1.56 0.78 solution
60 15.00 4.25 0.85 0.43 8.51 1.70 0.85
65 16.25 4.61 0.92 0.46 9.21 1.84 0.92
70 17.50 4.96 0.99 0.50 9.92 1.98 0.99
75 18.75 5.32 1.06 0.53 10.63 2.13 1.07
80 20.00 5.67 1.13 0.57 11.34 2.27 1.14

IAAH 11·3-98