SEC. 15 Classification of Philippine Waters.-The National Pollution Control Commission, in coordination with ap[propriate government agencies, shall classify Philippine waters, according to their best usage. In classifying said waters, the National Pollution Control Commission shall take into account, among others, the following:
a) the existing quality of the body of water at the time of classification;
b) the size, depth, surface area covered, volume, direction, rate of flow, gradient of stream; and
c) the most benificialuses of said bodies of water and lands bordering them for residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, navigational, recreational, and aesthetic purposes.
SEC. 16. Reclassification of Waters Based on Intended Beneficial Use.-Where the public interest so requires, the National Pollution Control Commission, in coordination with appropriate government agencies, shall reclassify a body of water based on the intended beneficial use and take such steps as may be necessary to upgrade the quality of said water. Other government agencies may adopt higher standards for a particular body of water, subject to the approval of the National Pollution Control Commission.
SEC. 17. Upgrading of Water Quality.-Where the quality of water has deteriorated to a degree where its state will adversely affect its best usage, the government agencies concerned shall take such measures as may be necessary to upgrade the quality of such water to meet the prescribed water quality standards.
SEC. 18. Water Quality Standards.-The National Pollution Control Commisssion shall prescribe quality and effluent standards consistent with the guidelines set by the National Environmental Protection Council and the classification of waters prescribed in the preceding sections, taking into consideration, among others, the following:
a) the standard of water quality or purity may vary according to beneficial uses; and
b) the technology relating to water pollution control.
