Definition of Terms.
SEC. 71. Definition of Terms.—As used in this
Chapter, the following terms shall mean.
Public sewerage system—A system serving twenty five persons or
more.
Septic tank—A water tight receptacle which receives the discharge
of a plumbing system or part thereof, and is designed to accomplish the
partial removal and digestion of the suspended solid matter in the
sewage through a period of detention. Its construction shall be in
accordance with specifications prescribed in this Chapter.
House sewer—The pipe line conveying sewage from the house or
building to the septic tank or to any point of discharge.
Septic tank absorption bed or drain field—An underground system
of pipes leading from the out let of the septic tank, consisting of
open-jointed or perforated pipes so distributed that the effluent from a
septic tank is oxidized and absorbed by the soil.
Effective capacity of a septic tank—The actual liquid capacity of
a septic tank as contained below the liquid level line of the tank.
Effective depth of a septic tank—The actual liquid depth of a
septic tank as measured from the inside bottom of the septic tank to the
liquid level line.
Freeboard or air space of a septic tank—The distance as measured
from the liquid level line to the inside top of the septic tank.
Distribution box—A small concrete receptacle between the septic
tank and the drain field from which lines of drain tile extends and
which acts as surge tank to distribute the flow of sewage equally to
each line of drain tile.
Approved excreta disposal facilities shall mean any of the
following:
Flush toilets properly connected to a community sewer;
Flush toilets connected to a septic tank constructed in
accordance with this Chapter;
Any approved type pit privy built in accordance with this
Chapter; and
Any disposal device approved by the Secretary or his duly
authorized representative.
Privy—A structure which is not connected to a sewerage system
and is used for the reception, disposition and storage of feces or other
excreta from the human body.
Septic privy where the fecal matter is placed in a septic tank
containing water and connected to a drain field but which is not served
by a water supply under pressure.
Box and can privy—A privy where fecal matter is deposited in a
can bucket which is removed for emptying and cleaning.
Concrete vault privy—A pit privy with the pit lined with
concrete in such manner as to make it water tight.
Chemical privy—A privy where fecal matter is deposited into a
tank containing a caustic chemical solution to prevent septic action
while the organic matter is decomposed.
Scope of Supervision of the Department.
SEC. 72. Scope of Supervision of the Department.—The
approval of the Secretary or his duly authorized representative is
required in the following matters:
Construction of any approved type of toilet for every house
including community toilet which may be allowed for a group of small
houses of light materials or temporary in nature;
Plans of individual sewage disposal system and the sub-surface
absorption system, or other treatment device;
Location of any toilet or sewage disposal system in relation to a
source of water supply;
Plans, design data and specification of a new or existing
sewerage system or sewage treatment plant;
The discharge of untreated effluent of septic tanks and/or sewage
treatment plants to bodies of water;
Manufacture of septic tanks and
Method of disposal of sludge from septic tanks or ether treatment
plants.
Operation of Sewage Treatment Works.
SEC. 73. Operation of Sewage Treatment Works.—Private
or public sewerage systems shall:
Provide laboratory facilities for control tests and other
examinations needed;
Forward to the local health authority operating data, control
tests and such other records and information as may be required;
Inform the local health authority in case of breakdown or
improper functioning of the sewage treatment works; and
Provide for the treatment of all sewage entering the treatment
plant.
Requirements in the Operation of Sewerage Works and Sewage Treatment Plants.
SEC. 74. Requirements in the Operation of Sewerage Works
and Sewage Treatment Plants.—The following are required for sewerage
works and sewage treatment plants:
All houses covered by the system shall be connected to the sewer
in areas where a sewerage sys tem is available.
Outfalls discharging effluent from a treatment plant shall
be carried to the channel of the stream or to deep water where the
outlet is discharged.
Storm water shall be discharged to a storm sewer, sanitary sewage
shall be discharged to a sewerage system carrying sanitary sewage only;
but this should not prevent the installation of a combined system.
Properly designed grease traps shall be provided for sewers from
restaurants or other establishments where the sewage carries a large
amount of grease.
Septic tanks.
SEC. 75. Septic tanks.—Where a public sewerage system
is not available, sewer outfalls from residences, schools, and other
buildings shall be discharged into a septic tank to be constructed in
accordance with the following minimum requirements:
It shall be generally rectangular in shape. When a number of
compartments are used, the first compartment shall have the capacity
from one-half to two-thirds of the total volume of the tank.
It shall be built of concrete, whether pre-cast or poured in
place. Brick, concrete blocks or adobe may be used.
It shall not be constructed under any building and within 25
meters from any source of water supply.
Disposal of Septic Tank Effluent.
SEC. 76. Disposal of Septic Tank Effluent.—The
effluent from septic tanks shall be discharged into a sub-surface soil,
absorption field where applicable or shall be treated with some type of a
purification device. The treated effluent may be discharged into a
stream or body of water if it conforms to the quality standards
prescribed by the National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission.
Determination of Septic Tank Capacity.
SEC. 77. Determination of Septic Tank Capacity.—The
septic tank capacity may be determined from the estimated unit flow
contained in Table I "Quantities of Sewage Flow," based on adequate
detention time interval resulting in efficient sedimentation. Daily flow
from mattered results, may be used as estimated flow when available.
For edifices with occupants, the number of persons to be served shall be
computed on the number of rooms with each room considered as occupied
by two persons or on the basis of the actual number of persons served by
the tank, whichever is greater.
Sanitary Privies.
SEC 78. Sanitary
Privies.—The privy recommended for use is the sanitary privy. It
shall conform with the following minimum requirements:
It shall consists of an earthen pit, a floor covering the pit,
and a water-sealed bowl. It shall be so constructed in order that
fecal matter and urine will be deposited into the earthen pit which
shall be completely fly-proof.
The pit shall be at least one meter square.
The floor should cover the pit tightly to prevent the entrance
of flies. It shall be constructed of concrete or other impervious
material.
The water-sealed bowl shall be joined to the floor so as to form
a water-tight and insect proof joint.
A suitable building, shall be constructed to provide comfort and
privacy for the users of the privy.
Wooden floors and seat risers shall not be used.
Drainage.
SEC. 79. Drainage.—
Responsibility of cities and municipalities.—It shall be the
responsibility of all cities and municipalities to provide and maintain
in a sanitary state and in good repair a satisfactory system of drainage
in all inhabited areas where waste water from buildings and premises
could empty without causing nuisance to the community and danger to
public health.
Connection to the municipal drainage system.— Buildings or
premises producing waste water shall be connected to the municipal
drainage system in all areas where it exists.
Special Precaution for Radioactive Excreta and Urine of Hospitalized Patient.
SEC. 80. Special Precaution for Radioactive Excreta and
Urine of Hospitalized Patient.—
Patients given high doses of radioactive isotope for therapy
should be given toilet facilities separate from those used by
"non-radioactive" patients.
Radioactive patients should be instructed to use the same toilet
bowl at all times and to flush it at least 3 times after its use.
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
