Annual financial loss of approximately $260 million for the Philippines attributed to unmanaged wastewater, according to a recent report.
The World Bank has released a comprehensive report on the impacts of poor sewage treatment in the Philippines, revealing significant losses in agriculture, fisheries, and health systems, as well as threats to water security and conservation efforts.
The report uncovers that the Philippines' economy loses more than US$260 million per year due to inadequate sewage treatment, with the agriculture sector accounting for a staggering 90% of these losses. Around 10% of agricultural land in poorer regions is irrigated using raw or partially treated wastewater, often containing toxic heavy metals. This practice not only degrades the quality of crops but also poses serious health risks to those who consume them.
Researchers found that 67% of wastewater in the Philippines is adequately treated, one of the highest rates among countries like the United Kingdom, Brazil, India, and Kenya. However, the report emphasizes that continued investment is necessary to reduce costs in the long-term.
The report highlights the potential benefits of investing in improved wastewater treatment. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems could be implemented in underserved areas to compensate for populations not connected to a sewer, similar to what is being done in Kenya. By doing so, waste could be repurposed into organic fertilizer and biogas, contributing to circularity.
The health sector in the Philippines spends more than US$19 million per year due to poor sewage treatment, with three million people exposed to contaminated drinking water that causes diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. The fishing sector also suffers, losing at least US$9 million annually due to contaminated fish populations.
The Manila Water Company, Inc has made significant strides in addressing this issue, having built 40 new treatment plants since 1997, expanding its treatment capacity from 40 million liters per day to 410 million. By 2037, the company aims to have all households in its region connected to sewers connected to treatment plants.
However, the report also emphasizes the need to address wastewater pollution to prevent illnesses in children and the destruction of oceans, rivers, and lakes. The Philippines' water security is threatened by the use of water-intensive crops like sugarcane and rice, especially in areas with water scarcity. The report underscores the need to balance agricultural practices with water conservation efforts.
In conclusion, the World Bank's report serves as a call to action for the Philippines to invest in improved wastewater treatment to mitigate economic losses, protect public health, and preserve the country's water resources.
