water code of pinas

7/30/2019 water code of pinas

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MALACAANG

Manila

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1067

A DECREE INSTITUTING A WATER CODE, THEREBY REVISINGAND CONSOLIDATING THE LAWS GOVERNING THEOWNERSHIP, APPROPRIATION, UTILIZATION, EXPLOITATION,DEVELOPMENT, CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WATERRESOURCES.

WHEREAS, Article XIV, Section 8 of the New Constitution of thePhilippines provides, inter alia, that all waters of the Philippines belongto the State;

WHEREAS, existing water legislations are piece-meal andinadequate to cope with increasing scarcity of water and changingpatterns of water use;

WHEREAS, there is a need for a Water Code based on rational

concepts of integrated and multipurpose management of waterresources and sufficiently flexible to adequately meet futuredevelopments;

WHEREAS, water is vital to national development and it hasbecome increasingly necessary for government to intervene actively inimproving the management of water resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President ofthe Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by theConstitution, do hereby order and decree the enactment of the WaterCode of the Philippines of 1976, as follows:


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CHAPTER IDECLARATION OF OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES

Article 1.Article 2.

Article 3.

Article 4.

(Sticky Note comment Reply 2 of 2lenie12/9/2012 12:16:04 PMblank)This code shall be known as

(Highlight comment Reply 1 of 2lenie12/9/2012 12:15:20 PMblank)The Water C ode of thePhilippines .

The objectives of this Code are:

a.To establish the basic principles and frameworkrelating to the appropriation, control and conservationof water resources to achieve the optimum

development and national utilization of theseresources;b.To define the extent of the rights and obligations ofwater users and owners including the protection andregulation of such rights;c.To adopt a basic law governing the ownership,appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development,conservation and protection of water resources andrights to land related thereto; andd.To identify the administrative agencies which will

enforce this Code.The underlying principles of this Code are:

a.All waters belong to the State.b.All waters that belong to the State can not be thesubject of acquisitive prescription.c.The State may allow the use or development of


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waters by administrative concession.d.The utilization, exploitation, development,conservation and protection of water resources shallbe subject to the control and regulation of thegovernment through the National Water ResourcesCouncil, hereinafter referred to as the Council.e.Preference in the use and development of watersshall consider current usages and be responsive tothe changing needs of the country.Waters, as used in this Code, refers to water under theground, water above the ground, water in the atmosphereand the waters of the sea within the territorial jurisdictionof the Philippines.


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Article 5.

Article 6.

Article 7.

Article 8.

CHAPTER IIOWNERSHIP OF WATERS

The following belong to the State;

a.Rivers and their natural beds;b.Continuous or intermittent waters of springs andbrooks running in their natural beds and the bedsthemselves;

c.Natural lakes and lagoons;d.All other categories of surface waters such as waterflowing over lands, water from rainfall whether naturalor artificial, and water from agricultural runoff,seepage and drainage;e.Atmospheric water;f.Subterranean or ground waters; and,g.Seawater

The following waters found on private lands also belongto the State;

a.Continuous or intermittent waters rising on suchlands;b.Lakes and lagoons naturally occurring on such lands;c.Rain water falling on such lands;d.Subterranean or ground waters; and,e.

Waters in swamps and marshes.The owner of the land where the water is found may usethe same for domestic purposes without securing apermit, provided that such use shall be registered, whenrequired by the Council. The Council, however, mayregulate such use when there is wastage, or in times ofemergency.

Subject to the provisions of this Code, any person whocaptures or collects water by means of cisterns, tanks, or


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pools shall have exclusive control over such water andthe right to dispose the same.

Water legally appropriated shall be subject to the controlof the appropriator from the moment it reaches theappropriators canal or aqueduct leading to the placewhere the water will be used or stored and, thereafter, solong as it is being beneficially used for the purposes forwhich it was appropriated.


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Article 9.

Article 10.

CHAPTER IIIAPPROPRIATION OF WATERS

Waters may be appropriated and used in accordance withthe provisions of this Code.

Appropriation of waters , as used in this Code, is theacquisition of rights over the use of waters or the takingor diverting of waters from a natural source in the mannerand for any purpose allowed by law.

Water may be appropriated for the following purposes:

a. Domesticb. Municipal

c. Irrigationd. Power generatione. Fisheriesf. Livestock raisingg. Industrialh. Recreational, andi. Other purposesUse of water for domestic purposes is the utilization ofwater for drinking, washing, bathing, cooking or otherhousehold needs, home gardens, and watering of lawnsor domestic animals.

Use of water for municipal purposes is the utilization of

water for supplying the water requirements of thecommunity.

Use of water for irrigation is the utilization of water forproducing agricultural crops.

Use of water for power ge neration is the utilization ofwater for producing electrical or mechanical power.

Use of water for fisheries is the utilization of water for thepropagation and culture of fish as a commercialenterprise.

Use of water for livestock raising is the utilization of waterfor large herds or flocks of animals raised as acommercial enterprise.


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Use of water for industrial purposes is the utilization ofwater in factories, industrial plants and mines, includingthe use of water as an ingredient of a finished product.

Use of water for recreational purposes is the utilization ofwater for swimming pools, bath houses, boating, waterskiing, golf courses and other similar facilities in resortsand other places of recreation.

Article 11. The State, for reasons or public policy, may declare watersnot previously appropriated, in whole or in part, exemptfrom appropriation for any or all purposes and,thereupon, such waters may not be appropriated forthose purposes.

Article 12. Waters appropriated for a particular purpose may beapplied for another purpose only upon prior approval ofthe Council and on condition that the new use does notunduly prejudice the rights of other permittees, or requirean increase in the volume of water.

Article 13. Except as otherwise herein provided, no person, includinggovernment instrumentalities or government-ownedor controlled corporations, shall appropriate water withouta water right, which shall be evidenced by a documentknown as a water permit .

Water right is the privilege granted by the government toappropriate and use water.

Article 14.Subject to the provisions of this Code concerning thecontrol, protection, conservation, and regulation of the

appropriation and use of waters, any person mayappropriate or use natural bodies of water withoutsecuring a water permit for any of the following:

a.Appropriation of water by means of handcarriedreceptacles; and,b.Bathing or washing, watering or dipping of domesticor farm animals, and navigation of watercrafts ortransportation of logs and other objects by floatation.Article 15.Only citizens of the Philippines, of legal age, as well as

juridical persons, who are duly qualified by law to exploitand develop water resources, may apply for waterpermits.


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Article 16.

Article 17.

Article 18.

Article 19.

Article 20.

Article 21.

Any person who desires to obtain a water permit shall filean application with the Council who shall make knownsaid application to the public for any protests.

In determining whether to grant or deny an application,the Council shall consider the following: protests filed, ifany; prior permits granted; the availability of water; thewater supply needed for beneficial use; possible adverse

effects; land -use economics; and other relevant factors .Upon approval of an application, a water permit shall beissued and recorded.

The rights to the use of water is deemed acquired as ofthe date of filing of the application for a water permit incase of approved permits, or as of the date of actual usein a case where no permit is required.

All water permits granted shall be subject to conditions ofbeneficial use, adequate standards of design andconstruction, and such other terms and conditions as

may be imposed by the Council.

Such permits shall specify the maximum amount of waterwhich may be diverted or withdrawn, the maximum rateof diversion or withdrawal, the time or times during theyear when water may be diverted or withdrawn, the pointor points of diversion or location of wells, the place ofuse, the purposes for which water may be used, andsuch other requirements the Council deems desirable.

Water rights may be leased or transferred in whole orin part to another person with prior approval of theCouncil, after due notice and hearing.

The measure and limit of appropriation of waters shall bebeneficial use.

Beneficial use of water is the utilization of water in theright amount during the period that the water is neededfor producing the benefits for which the water isappropriated.

Standards of beneficial use shall be prescribed by the


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Council for the appropriator of water for differentpurposes and conditions, and the use of waters which


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Article 22.

Article 23.

Article 24.

Article 25.

are appropriated shall be measured and controlled inaccordance therewith.

Excepting those for domestic use, every appropriator ofwater shall maintain water control and measuringdevices, and keep records of water withdrawal. Whenrequired by the Council, all appropriators of water shallfurnish information on water use.

Between two or more appropriators of water from thesame source of supply, priority in time of appropriationshall give the better right, except that in times of

emergency the use of water for domestic and municipalpurposes shall have a better right over all other uses;Provided, That where water shortage is recurrent andthe appropriator for municipal use has a lower priority intime of appropriation, then it shall be his duty to find analternative source of supply in accordance withconditions prescribed by the Council.

Priorities may be altered on grounds of greater beneficialuse, multi-purpose use, and other similar grounds afterdue notice and hearing, subject to payment ofcompensation in proper cases.

A water right shall be exercised in such a manner that therights of third persons or of other appropriators are notprejudiced thereby.

A holder of a water permit may demand the establishmentof easements necessary for the construction andmaintenance of the works and facilities needed for thebeneficial use of the waters to be appropriated, subject tothe requirements of just compensation and to thefollowing conditions:

a.That he is the owner, lessee, mortgagee or one

having real right over the land upon which heproposes to use water; andb.That the proposed easement is the most convenientand the least onerous to the servient estate.Easements relating to the appropriation and use ofwaters may be modified by the agreement of thecontracting parties provided the same is not contrary tolaw or prejudicial to third persons.


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Article 26. Where water shortage is recurrent, the use of the waterpursuant to a permit may, in the interest of equitabledistribution of benefits among legal appropriators, bereduced after due notice and hearing.Article 27. Water users shall bear the diminution of any water supplydue to natural causes of force ma jeure.Article 28. Water permits shall continue to be valid as long as wateris beneficially used; however, it maybe suspended on thegrounds of non-compliance with approved plans andspecifications or schedules of water distribution; use ofwater for a purpose other than that for which it wasgranted; non-payment of water charges; wastage; failureto keep records of water diversion, when required; andviolation of any term or condition of any permit or of rulesand regulations promulgated by the Council.Temporary permits may be issued for the appropriationand use of water for short periods under specialcircumstances.Article 29. Water permit may be revoked after due notice and hearingon grounds of non-use; gross violation of the

conditions imposed in the permit; unauthorized sale ofwater; willful failure or refusal to comply with rules andregulations or any lawful order; pollution, public nuisanceor acts detrimental to public health and safety; when theappropriator is found to be disqualified under the law toexploit and develop natural resources of the Philippines;when, in the case of irrigation, the land is converted tonon-agricultural purposes; and other similar grounds.Article 30. All water permits are subject to modification or cancellationby the Council, after due notice and hearing, infavor of a project of greater beneficial use or for multipurposedevelopment, and a water permittee who suffersthereby shall be duly compensated by the entity or

person in whose favor the cancellation was made.


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CHAPTER IVUTILIZATION OF WATERS

Article 31.

Article 32.

Article 33.

Article 34.

Article 35.

Preference in the development of water resources shall

consider security of the State, multiple use, beneficial

effects, adverse effects and costs development.

The utilization of subterranean or groundwater shall becoordinated with that of surface waters such as rivers,streams, springs and lakes, so that a superior right in oneadversely affected by an inferior right in the other.

For this purpose the Council shall promulgate rules andregulations and declare the existence of control areas forthe coordinated development, protection and utilization ofsubterranean or groundwater and surface waters.

Control area is an area of land where subterranean orgroundwater and surface water are so interrelated thatwithdrawal and use in one similarly affects the other. The

boundary of a control area may be altered from time totime, as circumstances warrant.

Water contained in open canals, aqueducts or reservoirsof private persons may be used by any person fordomestic purpose or for watering plants as long as thewater is withdrawn by manual methods without checkingthe stream or damaging the canal, aqueduct or reservoir;Provided, That this right may be restricted by the ownershould it result in loss or injury to him.

A water permittee or appropriator may use any watercourse to convey water to another point in the

watercourse for the purpose stated in a permit and suchwater may be diverted or recaptured at the point by saidpermittee in the same amount less allowance for normallosses in transit.

Works for the storage, diversion, distribution and utilizetionof water resources shall contain adequate provisionfor the prevention and control of diseases that may beinduced or spread by such works when required by theCouncil.


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Article 36. When the reuse of waste water is feasible, it shall belimited as much as possible, to such other than directhuman consumption. No person or agency shalldistribute such water for public consumption until it isdemonstrated that such consumption will not adverselyaffect the health and safety of the public.

Article 37. In the construction and operation of hydraulic works, dueconsideration shall be given to the preservation of scenicplaces and historical relics and, in addition to theprovisions of existing laws, no works that would requirethe destruction or removal of such places or relics shallbe undertaken without showing that the destruction orremoval is necessary and unavoidable.

Article 38.Authority for the construction of dams, bridges and otherstructures across or that which may interfere with the flowof navigable or floatable waterways shall first be securedfrom the Department of Public Works, Transportation and

Communications.Article 39. Except in cases of emergency to save life or property,the construction or repair of the following works shall beundertaken only after the plans and specificationstherefore, as may be required by the Council, areapproved by the proper government agency; dams forthe diversion or storage of water, structures for the use ofwater power; installations for the utilization ofsubterranean or groundwater and other structures forutilization of water resources.

Article 40.

No excavation for the purpose of emission of a hot springor for the enlargement of the existing opening thereofshall be made without prior permit.

Any person or agency who intends to develop a hotspring for human consumption must first obtain a permitfrom the Department of Health.

Article 41.No person shall develop a stream, lake or spring forrecreational purposes without first securing a permit fromthe Council.

Article 42. Unless otherwise ordered by the President of thePhilippines and only in times of national calamity oremergency, no person shall induce or restrain rainfall by


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any method such as cloud seeding without a permit fromthe proper government agency.Article 43. No person shall raise or lower the water level of a river,stream, lake, lagoon or marsh nor drain the same withouta permit.Article 44. Drainage systems shall be so constructed that their outletsare rivers, lakes, the sea, natural bodies of water, orsuch other water course as may be approved by theproper government agency.Article 45. When a drainage channel is constructed by a number ofperson for their common benefit, the cost of constructionand maintenance of the channel shall be borne by eachin proportion to the benefits derived.Article 46. When artificial means are employed to drain water fromhigher to lower land, the owner of the higher land shallselect the routes and methods of drainage that will causethe minimum damage to the lower lands, subject to therequirements of just compensation.Article 47. When the use, conveyance or storage of waters results indamage to another, person responsible for the damage

shall pay compensation.Article 48. When a water resources project interferes with the accessof a landowner to a portion of his property or with theconveyance of irrigation or drainage water, the person oragency constructing the project shall bear the cost ofconstruction and maintenance of the bridges, flumes andother structures necessary for maintaining access,irrigation or drainage, in addition to paying compensationfor land and incidental damages.Article 49. Any person having an easement for an aqueduct mayenter upon the servient land for the purpose of cleaning,repairing or replacing the aqueduct or the removal ofobstructions therefrom.

Article 50. Lower estates are obliged to receive the waters whichnaturally and without the intervention of man flow fromthe higher estates, as well as the stone or earth whichthey carry with them.


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The owner of the lower estate can not construct workswhich will impede this natural flow, unless he provides analternative method of drainage; neither can the owner ofthe higher estate make works which will increase thisnatural flow.

Article 51. The banks of rivers and streams and the shores of theseas and lakes throughout their entire length and within azone of three (3) meters in urban areas, twenty (20)meters in agricultural areas and forty (40) meters in forestareas, along their margins are subject to the easement ofpublic use in the interest of recreation, navigation,floatage, fishing and salvage. No person shall be allowedto stay in this zone longer than what is necessary forrecreation, navigation, floatage, fishing or salvage or tobuild structures of any kind.

Article 52. The establishment, extent, form and conditions of easementsof water not expressly determined by theprovisions of this Code shall be governed by the

provisions of the Civil Code.


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Article 53.

Article 54.

Article 55.

Article 56.

Article 57.

Article 58.

CHAPTER VCONTROL OF WATERS

To promote the best interest and the coordinated protectionof flood plain lands, the Secretary of Public Works,Transportation and Communications may declare floodcontrol areas and promulgate guidelines for governing

flood plain management plans in these areas.In declared flood control areas rules and regulations maybe promulgated to prohibit or control activities that maydamage or cause deterioration of lakes and dikes,obstruct the flow of water, change the natural flow ofriver, increase flood losses or aggravate flood problems.

The government may construct necessary flood controlstructures in declared flood control areas, and for thispurpose it shall have a legal easement as wide as maybe needed along the adjacent to the river bank andoutside the bed or channel of the river.

River beds, sand bars and tidal flats may not be cultivatedexcept upon prior permission from the Secretary of theDepartment of Public Works, Transportation andCommunication and such permission shall not be grantedwhere such cultivation obstructs the flow of water orincrease flood levels so as to cause damage to otherareas.

Any person may erect levees or revetments to protect hisproperty from flood, encroachment by the river or changein the course of the river, provided that such constructiondoes not cause damage to the property of another.

When a river or stream suddenly changes its course totraverse private lands, the owners of the affected landsmay not compel the government to restore the river to itsformer bed; nor can they restrain the government fromtaking steps to revert the river or stream to its formercourse. The owners of the land thus affected are notentitled to compensation for any damage sustainedthereby. However, the former owners of the new bedshall be the owners of the abandoned bed in proportion


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to the area lost by each.


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Article 59.

Article 60.

Article 61.

Article 62.

Article 63.

Article 64.

The owners of the affected lands may undertake to returnthe river or stream to its old bed at their own expense;Provided, That a permit therefore is secured from theSecretary of Public Works, Transportation andCommunication and work pertaining thereto arecommenced within two years from the change in thecourse of the river or stream.

Rivers, lakes and lagoons may, upon the recommenddationof the Philippine Coast Guard, be declarednavigable either in whole or in part.

The rafting of logs and other objects on rivers and lakeswhich are floatable may be controlled or prohibited duringdesignated seasons of the year with due regard to theneeds of irrigation and domestic water supply and otheruses of water.

The impounding of water in ponds or reservoirs my beprohibited by the Council upon consultation with theDepartment of Health if it is dangerous to public health,

or it may order that such pond or reservoir be drained ifsuch is necessary for the protection of public health.

Waters of a stream may be stored in a reservoir by apermittee in such amounts as will not prejudice the rightof any permittee downstream. Whatsoever operates thereservoir shall, when required, release water for minimumstream flow.

All reservoir operations shall be subject to rules andregulations issued by the Council or any propergovernment agency.

The operator of a dam for the storage of water may berequired to employ an engineer processing qualificationsprescribed for the proper operation, maintenance andadministration of dam.

The Council shall approve the manner, location, depthand spacing in which borings for subterranean orgroundwater may be made, determine the requirementsfor the registration of every boring or alteration to existingborings as well as other control measures for the


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exploitation of subterranean or groundwater resources,and in coordination with the Professional Regulation


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Commission, prescribe the qualifications of those whowould drill such borings.

No person shall drill a well without permission from theCouncil.

Article 65. Water from one river basin may be transferred to anotherriver basin only with approval of the Council. Inconsidering any request of such transfer, the Councilshall take into account the full costs of the transfer, thebenefits that would accrue to the basin of origin withoutthe transfer, the benefits would accrue to the receivingbasin on account of the transfer, alternative schemes forsupplying water to the receiving basin, and other relevantfactors.


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CHAPTER VICONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WATERS ANDWATERSHED AND RELATED LAND RESOURCES

Article 66. After due notice and hearing when warranted bycircumstance, minimum stream flows for rivers andstreams and minimum water levels for lakes may beestablished by the Council under such conditions as maybe necessary for the protection of the environment,control of pollution, navigation, prevention of saltdrainage, and general public use.

Article 67.Any watershed or any area of land adjacent to any surfacewater or overlying any groundwater may be declaredby the Department of Natural Resources as a protectedarea. Rules and regulations may be promulgated by suchDepartment to prohibit or control such activities by theowners or occupants thereof within the protected area

which may damage or cause the deterioration of thesurface area or groundwater or interfere with theinvestigation, use, control, protection, management oradministration of such waters.

Article 68.It shall be the duty of any person in control of a well toprevent the water from flowing on the surface of the land,or into any surface water, or any porous stratumunderneath the surface without being beneficially used.

Article 69.It shall be the duty of any person in control of a well

containing water with minerals or other substancesinjurious to man, animals, agriculture, and vegetation toprevent such waters from flowing on the surface of theland or any surface water or into any aquifer or porousstratum.

Article 70.No person shall utilize an existing well or pond or spreadwaters for recharging subterranean or groundwatersupplies without prior permission of the Council.

Article 71. To promote better water conservation and usage forirrigation purposes, the merger of irrigation associations

and the appropriation of waters by associations insteadof by individuals shall be encouraged.


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No water permit shall be granted to an individual whenhis water requirement can be supplied through anirrigation association.

Article 72.In the consideration of a proposed water resource project,due regard shall be given to ecological changes resultingfrom the construction of the project in order to balancethe needs of development and the protection of theenvironment.

Article 73.The conservation of fish and wildlife shall receive properconsideration and shall be coordinated with otherfeatures of water resources development programs toensure that fish and wildlife values receive equalattention with other project purposes.

Article 74.Swamps and marshes which are owned by the State and

which have primary value for waterfowl propagation orother wildlife purposes may be reserved and protectedfrom drainage operation and development.

Article 75. No person shall, without prior permission from theNational Pollution Control Commission, build any worksthat may produce dangerous or noxious substances orperform any act which may result in the introduction ofsewage, industrial waste, or any pollutant into any sourceof water supply.

Water pollution is the impairment of the quality of waterbeyond a certain standard. This standard may vary

according to the use of the water and shall be set by theNational Pollution Control Commission.

Article 76. The establishment of cemeteries and waste disposalareas that may affect the source of a water supply or areservoir for domestic or municipal use shall be subject tothe rules and regulations promulgated by the Departmentof Health.

Article 77. Tailings from mining operations and sediments fromplacer mining shall not be dumped into rivers andwaterways without prior permission from the Councilupon recommendation by the National Pollution Control

Commission.


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Article 78.The application of agricultural fertilizers and pesticidesmay be prohibited or regulated by the National PollutionControl Commission in areas where such application maycause pollution of a source of water supply.


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CHAPTER VIIADMINISTRATION OF WATERS AND ENFORCEMENTOF THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE

Article 79.The Administration and enforcement of the provisions ofthis Code, including the granting of permits and theimposition of penalties for administrative violationshereof, are hereby vested in the Council, and except inregard to those functions which under this Code arespecifically conferred upon other agencies of thegovernment, the Council is hereby empowered to makeall decisions and determinations provided in this Code.

Article 80.The Council may deputized any official or agency of thegovernment to perform any of its specific functions oractivities.

Article 81.The Council shall provide a continuing program for datacollection, research and manpower development neededfor the appropriation, utilization, exploitation,conservation and protection of the water resources of thecountry.

Article 82.In the implementation of the provisions of this Code, theCouncil shall promulgate the necessary rules andregulations which may provide penalties consisting of afine not exceeding One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00)and/or suspension or r evocation of the water permit or

the right to the use of water . Violations of such rules andregulations may be administratively dealt with by theCouncil.

Such rules and regulations shall take effect fifteen (15)days after publication in newspapers of generalcirculation.

Rules and regulations prescribed by any governmentagency that pertain to the utilization, exploitation,development, control, conservation or protection of waterresources shall, if the Council so requires, be subject toits approval.

Article 83. The Council is hereby authorized to impose and collectreasonable fees, charges for water resources


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development from water appropriators, except when it ispurely domestic purpose.

Article 84. The Council and other agencies authorized to enforce thisCode are empowered to enter upon private lands, withprevious notice to the owner, for the purpose ofconducting surveys and hydrologic investigations and toperform such other acts as are necessary in carrying outtheir functions including the power to exercise the right ofeminent domain.

Article 85. No program or project involving the appropriation,utilization, exploitation, development, control,conservation, or protection of water resources may beundertaken without prior approval of the Council, exceptthose which the Council may, in its discretion, exempt.

The Council may require consultation with the public priorto the implementation of certain water resourcesdevelopment projects.

Article 86. When plans and specifications of a hydraulic structure aresubmitted for approval, the government agency whosefunctions embrace the type of project for which thestructure is intended, shall review the plans andspecifications and recommend to the Council properaction thereon and the latter shall approve the same onlywhen they are in conformity with the requirements of thisCode and the rules and regulations promulgated by theCouncil. Notwithstanding such approval, neither theengineer who drew up the plans and specifications of thehydraulic structure, nor the constructor who built it, shallbe relieved of his liability for damages in case of failure

therefore by reason of defect in plans and specifications,or failure due to defect in construction, within ten (10)years from the completion of the structure.

Any action to recover such damages must be broughtwithin five (5) years following such failure.

Article 87. The Council or its duly authorized representatives, in theexercise of its power to investigate and decide casesbrought to its cognizance shall have the power toadminister oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses bysubpoena and the production of relevant documents bysubpoena duces tecum .


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Article 88.

Article 89.

Non-compliance or violation of such orders or subpoenaand subpoena duces tecum shall be punished in thesame manner as indirect contempt of an inferior courtupon application by the aggrieved party with the properCourt of First Instance in accordance with the provisionsof Rule 721 of the Rules of Court.

The Council shall have original jurisdiction over alldisputes relating to appropriation, utilization, exploitation,development, control, conservation and protection ofwaters within the meaning and context of the provisionsof this Code.

The decisions of the Council on water rightscontroversies shall be immediately executory andenforcement thereof may be suspended only when a

bond in an amount fixed by the Council to answer fordamages occasioned by the suspension or stay ofexecution shall have been filed by the appealing party,unless the suspension is by virtue of an order of acompetent court.

All disputes shall be decided within sixty (60) days afterthe parties submit the same for decision or resolution.

The Council shall have the power to issue writs ofexecution and enforce its decisions with the assistance oflocal or national police agencies.

The decisions of the Council on water rights controversiesmay be appealed to the Court of First Instance of theprovince where the subject matter of the controversy issituated within fifteen (15) days from the date the partyappealing receives a copy of the decision, on any of thefollowing grounds: (1) grave abuse of discretion;

(2) question of law; and (3) questions of fact and law.


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Article 90.

Article 91.

CHAPTER VIIIPENAL PROVISIONS

The following acts shall be penalized by suspension orrevocation of the violators water permit or other right tothe use of water and/or a fine of not exceeding OneThousand Pesos (P1,000.00), in the discretion of theCouncil:

a.Appropriation of subterranean or groundwater fordomestic use by an overlying landowner withoutregistration required by the Council.b.Non-observance of any standard of beneficial use of

water.c.Failure of the appropriator to keep a record of waterwithdrawal, when required.d.Failure to comply with any of the terms or conditionsin a water permit or a water rights grant.e.Unauthorized use of water for a purpose other thanthat for which a right or permit was granted.f.Construction or repair of any hydraulic work orstructure without duly approved plans and

specifications, when required.g.Failure to install a regulating and measuring devicefor the control of the volume of water appropriated,when required.h.Unauthorized sale, lease, or transfer of water and/orwater rights.i.Failure to provide adequate facilities to prevent orcontrol diseases when required by the Council in theconstruction of any work for the storage, diversion,distribution and utilization of water.

j.Drilling of a well without permission of the Council.k.Utilization of an existing well or ponding or spreadingof water for recharging subterranean or groundwatersupplies without permission of the Council.l.Violation of or non-compliance with any order, rule, orregulation of the Council.m. Illegal taking or diversion of water in an open canal,


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aqueduct or reservoir.n.Malicious destruction of hydraulic works or structuresvalued at not exceeding P5,000.00.A fine not exceeding Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00)or imprisonment for not more than three (3) years, orboth such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the


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B.C.Court, shall be imposed upon any person who commitsany of the following acts:

1.Appropriation of water without a water permit, unlesssuch person is expressly exempted from securing apermit by the provisions of this Code.2.Unauthorized obstruction of an irrigation canal.3.Cultivation of a river bed, sand bar or tidal flat withoutpermission.4.Malicious destruction of hydraulic works or structurevalued at not exceeding Twenty Five ThousandPesos (P25,000.00).A fine exceeding Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) butnot more than Six Thousand Pesos (P6,000.00) or

imprisonment exceeding three (3) years but not morethan six (6) years, or both such fine and imprisonment inthe discretion of the Court, shall be imposed on anyperson who commits any of the following acts:

1.Distribution for public consumption of waste waterwhich adversely affects the health and safety of thepublic.2.Excavation or enlargement of the opening of a hotspring without permission.3.

Unauthorized obstruction of a river or waterway, oroccupancy of a river bank or seashore withoutpermission.4.Establishment of a cemetery or a waste disposal areanear a source of water supply or reservoir fordomestic or municipal use without permission.5.Constructing, without prior permission of thegovernment agency concerned, works that producedangerous or noxious substance, or performing actsthat result in the introduction of sewage, industrialwaste, or any substance that pollutes a source of

water supply.6.Dumping mine tailings and sediments into rivers orwaterways without permission.7.Malicious destruction of hydraulic works or structurevalued more than Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos(P25,000.00) but not exceeding One HundredThousand Pesos (P100,000.00)A fine exceeding Six Thousand Pesos (P6,000.00) but


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not more than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) or


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Article 92.

Article 93.Article 94.

imprisonment exceeding six (6) years but not more thantwelve (12) years, or both such fine and imprisonment, inthe discretion of the Court, shall be imposed upon anyperson who commits any of the following acts:

1.Misrepresentation of citizenship in order to qualify forwater permit.2.Malicious destruction of a hydraulic works orstructure, valued at more than One HundredThousand Pesos 9P100,000.00).If the offense is committed by a corporation, trust, firm,

partnership, association or any other juridical person, thepenalty shall be imposed upon the President, GeneralManager, and other guilty officer or officers of suchcorporation, trust firm, partnership association or entity,without prejudice to the filing of a civil action against saidjuridical person. If the offender is an alien, he shall bedeported after serving his sentence, without furtherproceedings.

After final judgment of conviction, the Court upon petitionof the prosecuting attorney in the same proceedings, andafter due hearing, may, when the public interest sorequires, order the suspension or dissolution of such

corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association orjuridical person.

All actions for offenses punishable under Article 91 of thisCode shall be brought before the proper court.

Actions for offenses punishable under this Code by a fineof not more than Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) orby an imprisonment of not more than three (3) years, orboth such fine and imprisonment, shall prescribe in five

(5) years; those punishable by a fine exceeding ThreeThousand Pesos (P3,000.00) but not more than Six

Thousand Pesos (P6,000.00) or an imprisonmentexceeding three (3) years but not more than six (6) years,or both such fine and imprisonment, shall prescribe inseven (7) years; and those punishable by a fineexceeding Six Thousand Pesos (P6,000.00) but not morethan Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) or animprisonment exceeding six (6) years but not more thantwelve (12) years, or both such fine and imprisonment,shall prescribed in ten (10) years.


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CHAPTER IXTRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 95.

Article 96.

Article 97.

Article 98.

Article 99.

Within two (2) years from the promulgation of this Code,all claims for a right to use water exiting on or beforeDecember 3, 1974 shall be registered with the Councilwhich shall confirm said rights in accordance with theprovisions of this Code, and shall set their respectivepriorities.

When priority in time of appropriation from a certainsource of supply cannot be determined, the order ofpreference in the use of the waters shall be as follows:

a. Domestic and municipal useb. Irrigationc. Power generationd. Fisheriese. Livestock raisingf. Industrial use, andg. Other uses.Any claim not registered within said period shall be

considered waived and the use of water deemedabandoned, and the water shall thereupon be availablefor disposition as unappropriated waters in accordancewith the provisions of this Code.

No vested or acquired right to the use of the water canarise from acts or omissions which are against the law orwhich infringe upon the rights of others.

Acts and contracts under the regime of old laws, if theyare valid in accordance therewith, shall be respected,subject to the limitations established in this Code. Anymodification or extension of these acts and contracts

after the promulgation of this Code, shall be subject tothe provisions hereof.

Interim rules and regulations promulgated by the Councilshall continue to have binding force and effect, when notin conflict with the provisions of this Code.

If any provision or part of this Code, or the applicationthereof to any person or circumstance, is declared


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unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, the otherprovisions or parts therein shall not be affected.

Article 100. The following laws, parts and/or provisions of laws arehereby repealed:

a.The provisions of the Spanish Law on Waters ofAugust 3, 1866, the Civil Code of Spain in 1889 andthe Civil Code of the Philippines (R.A. 386) onownership of waters, easements relating to waters,use of public waters and acquisitive prescription onthe use of waters, which are inconsistent with theprovisions of this Code;b.The provisions of R.A. 6395, otherwise known as theRevised Charter of the National Power Corporation,particularly section 3, paragraph (f), and section 12,insofar as they relate to the appropriation of watersand the grant thereof;

c.The provisions of Act No. 2152, as amended,otherwise known as the Irrigation Act, section 3,paragraph (k) and (m) of P.D. No. 813, R.A. 2056;Section 90, C.A. 137; andd.All Decrees, Laws, Acts, parts of Acts, rules of Court,executive orders, and administrative regulationswhich are contrary to or inconsistent with theprovisions of this Code.Article 101. This Code shall take effect upon its promulgation.

Done in the City of Manila, this 31st day of December, Nineteen

Hundred and Seventy Six.

(Sgd.) FERDINAND E. MARCOSPresident

By the President:

(Sgd.) JACOBO C. CLAVEPresidential Executive Assistant


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Implementing Rules and Regulations

Pursuant to the Water Code of the Philippines vesting upon theNational Water Resources Council the administration and enforcementof the provisions thereof, the following rules and regulations are herebypromulgated:

RULE IAPPROPRIATION AND UTILIZATION OF WATERS

Section 1. When Permit/Authority from the National WaterResources Council Must be Secured. As required under the provisions of

P. D. 1067, a permit/authority shall be secured from the Council in thefollowing instances:a)Appropriation of water for any purpose stated under Article 10 ofthe Code except for family domestic purpose provided underArticle 6;

b)Change in purpose of the appropriation;

c)Amendment of an existing permit/authority, such as change inpoint or nature of diversion, amount of appropriation, period ofuse, etc;

d)Transfer or lease of water right;

e)Temporary appropriation and use of water;

f)Developing a stream, lake or spring for recreational purposes;

g)Lowering or raising the level of the water of a lake, river or marsh,or draining the same;

h)Transbasin diversion;

i) Dumping of mine tailings or wastes into a river or a waterway;j) Such other instances that will require a permit/authority as

determined by the Council.

In the following instances the granting of permit/authority requiredunder the provisions of P.D. 1067, is delegated by the Council to thecorresponding agencies indicated and permit/authority pertaining to any ofthese instances shall be secured from the agency delegated:


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a) Excavation for the emission of a hot spring Ministry of Energy;b) Cloud seeding to induce rainfall Philippine Atmospheric

Geophysical(PAGASA).and Astronomical Service Administrationc) Recharging grCommissionound water supplies National Pollution Control

Whenever necessary the Council may exercise any of the abovedelegated authorities.

Section 2. Qualification of Applicants for Permit/Authority . Onlythe following may file an application with the Council for permit/authority:

a)Citizens of the Philippines;

b)Associations, duly registered cooperatives or corporations

organized under the laws of the Philippines, at least 60 percent ofthe capital of which is owned by the citizens of the Philippines;

c)Government entities and instrumentalities, including governmentownedand controlled corporations.

Section 3. Place of Filing Applications . Except for those on cloudseeding, any application for permit/authority in Section 1 shall be filed withthe Office of the Public Works District Engineer, the NIA ProvincialIrrigation Engineer, NPC Regional Managers or the LWUA Water DistrictGeneral Manager whichever is designated as agent by the Council in theprovince where the point of diversion is situated in the case of appropriation

of waters or where the project is located in all other cases.

Section 4. Form and Requirements of Application. All applicationsshall be filed in the prescribed form, sworn to by the applicant and supportedby the following:

A.For a Water Permit for Agricultural Purposes1.Any document of ownership/possession of the land tobe developed such as:a) Certificate of Title;b) Tax Declaration;


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c)Certificate of Land Transfer; or

d)Contract of Lease, if applicant is a lessee.

2.Location Plan of Area showing:a)Point of Diversion determined graphically by itslatitude and longitude;

b)Delineation of area indicating hectarage forwhich water will be used and adjoining landsand their corresponding owners duly indicatedrelative to the point of diversion;

c)Nature of diversion works, whether temporary

or permanent; manner of appropriation, whetherby gravity pump; kind of crop; and approximatelocation or conveyance canal or conduit; and

d)In case of appropriation of groundwater,location and spacing of proposed drilling sites,kind of crop and approximate location orconveyance canal or conduit in lieu of items (a)and (c) above.

B.For a Water Permit for Hydraulic Power Development and

Industrial Purposes, or for a Permit to Dump Mine Tailings orWastes1.Location and conceptual plans on convenient scaleshowing the source of water, layout of proposed works,and point of diversion determined graphically by itslatitude and longitude;2.Brief description of project, including among others,how water will be used, amount of water needed for thepurpose, power expected to be generated if applicable,amount of water to be discharged back to the sourceand measures to be taken to insure such waters are not

polluted, other relevant information.3.Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnership incase applicant is a private corporation or partnership, orcertificate of registration in case of cooperatives; and


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C.D.4.When the application is for industrial use ofgroundwater, the location and spacing of drilling wellsites instead of diversion point should be indicated inthe location plan.For a Water Permit for Municipal Purposes

1.Location, topographic and layout map showing therelative position of source area to be supplied, anddiversion point determined graphically by its latitudeand longitude;2.Brief description of the project, including nature andamount of water to be used, population and area to beserved, and other pertinent facts and information;3.Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnership in

case applicant is a private corporation or Partnership, orCertificate of Registration in case of cooperatives;4.When the application involves the use of groundwater,the location and spacing of drilling well sitesdetermined graphically by latitude and longitude shouldbe indicated in the location plan; and5.When it involves the reuse of waste water for humanconsumption, the application should be accompanied bya clearance from the Department of Health allowing thereuse of said waste water and setting forth theconditions therefore.

For a Water Permit for Recreational, Fisheries and otherPurposes

1.Location and conceptual plan showing the relativelocation of the project with the body of water to beutilized for the purpose, determined graphically by itslatitude and longitude;2.Brief description of the project including among others,how the water is to be used, area of water surfaceneeded for the purpose or amount of water to beappropriated and location of diversion canal if diversion

is to be made, scheme of development, and otherrelevant information; and


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3.Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnership incase applicant is a private corporation or partnership, orCertificate of Registration in case of cooperatives.E.For a Permit for Drainage Purposes1.Brief description of project for which drainage schemeis necessary;2.Location and layout maps of drainage works showingarea to be drained, route of drainage canal and drainageoutlet which should be a natural body of water or anatural waterway;3.Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnership incase applicant is a private corporation or partnership, orCertificate of Registration in case of cooperatives.F.Such other documents that may be required by the Council.

Section 5. Other Requirements. In addition to the requirementsunder Section 4, the following are required in the specific instances indicated:

A.For Well Drilling Except when manual well drilling will beemployed, all applications involving extraction of groundwatershall include the name of a duly licensed well driller who willundertake the drilling. Except for manual well drilling, noperson shall engage in the business of drilling wells for thepurpose of extracting groundwater without first registering as awell driller with the Council.B.

For Transfer of a Water Permit Applications for the transferof a water permit from one person to another shall include thereasons for the transfer.C.For Lease of a Water Permit Applications for the lease of awater permit to another person shall be accompanied by a dulyexecuted contract of lease subject to the approval of theCouncil. No contract of lease shall be for a continuous periodexceeding five (5) years; otherwise the contract shall be treatedas a transfer of permit in favor of the lessee.Section 6. Filing Fee. There shall be imposed and collected a fee ofOne Hundred Pesos (P100.00) from every applicant, government agencies,water districts and duly organized associations or cooperatives for irrigation o

r


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rural water supply which shall be paid to the Council in postal money orderthru the Office where the application is filed.

Section 7. Water Charges. Except when appropriation is for familydomestic purpose or when the quantity of water appropriated for agriculturaluse is not more than 5 liters per second, all appropriators shall pay to theCouncil in the manner provided under Section 6 hereof, an annual watercharge in accordance with the following schedule:

For the use of water when diverted/extracted from the natural sources:

Rate of Withdrawal Charge per liter/second(liters/second)

1) Not more than 30 P 0.502) More than 30 but not exceeding 50 0.753) More than 50 1.00

For the use of surface water at its natural location for fish culture:

1.For a surface area not to exceed 15 hectares P20.00/ha.2.For a surface area of more than 15 hectares P 300 plus P30/ha. of the excess over 15 hectaresFor this purpose a fraction of a hectare shall be considered as onehectare.

The Council may revise the above water charges or impose specialwater rates from time to time as the need arises taking into consideration,among others, the following:

a) Intended use of water

b) Quantity/rate of water withdrawal vis--vis other users taking into

account the water bearing potential of the source;c) Environmental effects;d) Extent to which water withdrawal will affect the source; ande) Development cost of bringing water from the source.


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Section 8. Processing, Posting and Sending of Noti ces ofApplications. Upon receipt of an application for water permit, the Officeconcerned shall process the same to determine compliance with therequirements prescribed in Section 4 hereof. If found in order, and uponpayment of the filing fee, notices of the application shall be posted in aconspicuous place in said office and shall remain posted for a period of sixty

(60) days. Notices of application shall, likewise, be sent by the said office tothe following for posting in a conspicuous place for the same period.a)Barangay Chairman of the place where the point of diversion islocated;

b)Municipal Secretary of the town where the point of diversion islocated;

c)The Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province

where the point of diversion is located;d)Public Works District Engineer or Provincial Irrigation Engineeras the case may be.

Copies of the notice of application shall, likewise, be furnished toconcerned Regional Offices of the Ministry of Public Works, NationalIrrigation Administration, National Power Corporation and Ministry ofNatural Resources and Local Water District Office, if any.

Section 9. Action After Posting of Notices for Appropriation ofSurface Waters.

A.Investigation and StudiesAfter seven (7) days from the first day of posting of notice atthe office where the application is filed, the office concerned shalldetermine:1) The approximate seasonal discharge of the water source;2) The amount of water already appropriated for beneficial use;3) The water requirement of the applicant as determined from

standards of beneficial use prescribed by the Council;4) Possible adverse effects on existing grantees/permittees or

public/private interest;


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5)Environmental effects;

6)Land-use economics;

7)Whether the area to be irrigated can be integrated with that ofan existing or proposed irrigation association for commonirrigation facilities; and

8)Other relevant factors.

Protest on Applications Any person who may beadversely affected by the proposed appropriation may file averified protest with the Council or with any deputized agencyinvestigating the application within sixty (60) days afterposting of the Notice of Application in the office where theapplication was filed.

Protests to an application for water permit shall begoverned by the rules prescribed for resolving water usecontroversies.

B.Action on Application Within thirty (30) days from the firstday of posting of notice, the Office investigating theapplication shall transmit the same together with all therecords, findings of facts and its comments andrecommendations as well as those of other governmentagencies, if any, to the Council for final action through thePublic Works Regional Director.

In cases of application for irrigation, the report shall becoursed thru the Regional Irrigation Director who shalltransmit the same to the Public Works Regional Director.

In cases of application for hydraulic power, the PublicWorks Regional Director shall transmit the application, thruthe Central Office of the National Power Corporation, Manila,which shall forward the same to the Council with its commentsand recommendations within thirty (30) days from receiptthereof.

Section 10. Action After Posting of Notices for Appropriation ofGroundwater.

A.Permit to Drill The application to appropriate groundwatershall be processed for adherence to requirements and shall beinvestigated in the field to determine any adverse effect to


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B.C.public or private interest. Protests on the application shall begoverned by Section 9-B hereof. If the application meets therequirements and has been found not prejudicial to public orprivate interest it shall be transmitted, following therequirements of Section 9 hereof, to the Public Works RegionalDirector of the Ministry of Public Works who is herebyauthorized to issue the permit to drill which shall be subject tothe following conditions:

1)Drilling operations shall be in accordance with the rulesprovided herein;

2)The rate of water withdrawal to be approved shall be

determined after pumping tests and shall in no case

exceed the rate stated in the application;3)A permit to drill shall remain valid for six (6) months,

unless a longer period is allowed by the Council for

reasonable grounds; and

4)The permit to drill shall be regarded as a temporary

permit, and the regular permit shall be issued after the

rate of water withdrawal has been determined.

Result of Drilling Operations A report on the result of thedrilling operations shall be submitted to the investigating officewithin the 6-month period stated in the preceding section. Thereport shall include a description of each drilling site, thedrilling log, the yield of the well and the assessment of dataobtained.

Investigation and Studies Upon receipt of the report ondrilling operations, the investigating office shall consider theproposed withdrawal of groundwater in relation to the

following:

1)Safe yield of the source, reasonable or feasible pumpinglift;

2)Beneficial use;

3)


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Adverse effects on existing lawful users of water or topublic or private interest;

4)Effects on the environment;


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5)Danger of contamination of aquifers, deterioration ofwater quality or salt water intrusion;

6)Adequacy of proposed well, works, plans and

specifications towards meeting prescribed standards;

and

7)Comments and/or recommendations of other agencies.

D.Final Action on Application Within thirty (30) days from thefirst day of receipt of report of well drilling operations, theOffice investigating the application shall transmit, through thePublic Works Regional Director, to the Council, for finalaction the application for water permit, together with all the

records, findings of facts and its comment andrecommendations as well as those of other governmentagencies.Section 11. Council Action. The Council shall approve ordisapprove applications for water permits within sixty (60) days after receiptof recommendation of its deputized agent and other agencies requested tocomment, unless a longer period is needed for the disposition of protests filedwith the Council. In cases of application for industrial use or in cases of suchother use where waters may become polluted, the Council shall refer theapplication to the national Pollution Control Commission for comment andrecommendation. If deemed necessary, the Council shall refer the applicationto other agencies concerned as the case may be.

Section 12. Water Permit. Approved applications shall be issuedwater permits subject to such conditions as the Council may impose. Suchpermit must bear the seal of the Council and the signature of the ExecutiveDirector. A copy of said permit shall be furnished the Office where theapplication was filed. Disapproved applications shall be returned to applicantsthrough the office where the same was filed, within thirty (30) days of suchdisapproval, stating the reasons therefore.

The Council shall, moreover, furnish periodically all Public WorksRegional Directors, Public Works District Engineers, and NIA RegionalDirectors and Provincial Irrigation Engineers, a list of approved water permitsgranted within their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Section 13. Conditions in Permits. -Water permits issued by theCouncil shall be subject to such terms, restrictions and limitations as it maydeem proper to impose, and to any, or all the following conditions:


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a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

That within one (1) year from the receipt of the permit theapplicant shall submit to the Council for approval, the plansand specifications for the diversion works, pump structure,water measuring device, and other required structures and inaddition for private sector projects the implementing schedulesof construction. No construction work or private sector projectsshall commence until the plans, specifications andimplementing schedules are duly approved. When the diversiondam is temporary and less than two (2) meters high, thesubmission of plans for the dam may not be required.

The construction of the necessary structures and diversionworks shall begin within ninety (90) days from the date ofreceipt of the approved plans, specifications and implementingschedules and shall be completed within the approved scheduleunless extended by the Council for valid or justifiable reasons:Provided, that water shall not be diverted, pumped orwithdrawn until after such structures and works shall have beeninspected and approved by the Council, unless otherwiseallowed. Except in cases of emergency to save life or propertyor repairs in accordance with plans originally approved, thealteration or repair of these structures shall not be undertakenwithout the approval of the Council.

The right of a permittee to the amount of water allowed in thepermit is only to the portion or extent that he can usebeneficially for the purpose stated in the permit. The diversionof the water shall be from the source and for the purposeindicated in the permit and in no case should said use exceedthe quantity and period indicated therein. In gravity diversions,regulating gates of the canal shall be closed when water is notneeded.

The Council may, after due notice and hearing, reduce atanytime the quantity of water or adopt a system ofapportionment, distribution, or rotation thereof when the facts

are circumstances in any situation would warrant the same inthe interest of the public and/or legal appropriations.

The Council may, after due notice and hearing, revoke thepermit in favor of projects for greater beneficial use or formulti-purpose development, subject to compensation in propercases.


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f)The Council shall revoke or suspend the permit if the permitteeviolates effluent/water quality standards as determined by theNational Pollution Control Commission.

g)At any time after completion of diversion works and necessarystructures, non-use of the water for the purpose stipulated inthe permit for a period of three consecutive years shall rendersaid permit null and void, except as the Council may otherwiseallow for reasons beyond the control of the permittee.

h)Any person in control of a well shall prevent the waste of watertherefrom and shall prevent water from flowing onto thesurface of the land or into any surface water without beingbeneficially used, or into any porous stratum underneath thesurface.

i)

Any person in control of a well shall prevent water containingmineral or other substances injurious to the health of humans oranimals or to agriculture and vegetation from flowing onto thesurface of the land or into any surface or into any other aquiferor porous stratum.

Section 14. Periodic and Final Inspection of Project. The Councilor its authorized agents who investigated the application may conduct periodicinspection while construction, alteration, or repair is in progress as well asfinal inspection thereof to ascertain whether or not the same is in accordancewith approved plans and specifications.

A report of inspection within ten (10) days from the date thereof shall

be submitted to the Council thru the Public Works Regional Director.

Section 15. Notice of Completed Structures/Diversion Works. Thepermittee shall inform the Council or its deputy concerned, that the necessarystructures and diversion works required have been completed in accordancewith approved plans and specifications.

In addition, in cases of appropriation of groundwater the permitteesshall inform the Council as to the depth and diameter of the well, the drillinglog, the specifications and location of a casings, cementing, screens andperforations, and the results of tests of capacity, flow, drawdown, and shut-inpressure.

Section 16. Inspect ion of Works. Inspection of the premises shall beconducted by any person deputized by the Council to determine compliancewith the conditions imposed in the permit and such other order, rule orregulation the Council may issue.


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Section 17. Certificate of Compliance. The Council shall issue acertificate of compliance to the permittee/grantee after being satisfied that theconstruction of the necessary structures in connection with the water permithave been duly complied with. Such certificate shall bear the signature of theExecutive Director.

Section 18. Revocation of Permit. Any permit issued pursuant tothese rules may be revoked by the Council, after due notice and hearing, forany of the grounds provided herein or in the Code.

Section 19. Recurrent Water Shortage. For the purpose of Articles22 and 26 of the Water Code, recurrent water shortage shall mean the naturalperiodic diminution of water in a source of supply to a volume or rate of flowinsufficient to meet the water requirements of all legal appropriatorstherefrom.

Section 20. Basic Diversion Requirements for Agriculture Use. Except when otherwise justified by type of irrigation system, soil conditions,kind of crop, topography and other factors, water permits for agricultural use

shall be granted on the basis of one liter per second per hectare of land to beirrigated.

Section 21. Construction/Repair of Other Structures. Apart fromthe structures required under Section 13 and except in cases of emergency tosave life or property, or repairs in accordance with plans previously approved,the construction or repair of the following structures shall be undertaken onlyafter plans and specifications therefor are approved by the Administrator ofthe National Irrigation Administration when the structure is for an irrigationproject, or by the Minister of Public Works in all other cases enumeratedhereunder:

a)

Off-stream water impounding structures except earth-fillembankments less than 10 meters high from the natural groundsurface;

b)Barrages across natural waterways except temporary dams forirrigation less than two (2) meters high from the stream bed;

c)Dikes, levees, revetments, bulkheads, piers, breakwaters andother similar structures or devices that affect the direction orlevel of materials in rivers, lakes and in maritime waters; and

Other structures not included in the above enumeration shall beapproved by the proper government agencies as may be designated by theCouncil.


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The approving officials shall prescribe the procedure for filing,processing and approval of the plans and specifications. Structures required inwater permits shall be approved as prescribed under Section 13 hereof.

Section 22. Establishment of Easements. Actions for theestablishment of easements under Article 25 of the Code shall be governed bythe Rules of Court.

Section 23. Establishment of Control Areas. When the Councildeems it necessary to declare a control area, it shall publish same in three (3)newspapers of general circulation setting forth the purpose of the declaration,the geographic limits of the control areas, and the regulations necessary toachieve its objectives.

Section 24. Coordinated Use of Waters in Control Areas. In controlareas so declared for the coordinated development, protection and utilizationof ground and surface waters, the appropriation of surface water shall, ingeneral, have preference over that of groundwater and, except as otherwiseallowed by the Council, a permit for the appropriation of groundwater is valid

only to the extent that it does not prejudice any surface water supply.Section 25. Registration of Wells in Control Areas . In declaredcontrol areas, all wells without water permits, including those for domesticuse, shall be registered with the Council within two years from the declarationotherwise any claim to a right on a well is considered waived and use of watertherefrom shall be allowed only after a water permit is secured in accordancewith Rule 1 hereof.

Section 26. Temporary Permits. The Council may grant temporarypermits for the appropriation and use of water in situations such as thefollowing:

a)Irrigation of an area pending the construction of a larger systemto be operated either by the government or by any irrigationassociation which will serve said area. Such permit shallautomatically expire when water becomes available for the areafrom the larger system. In cases where the supply from thelarger system is not adequate, the permit may be modifiedaccordingly;

b)When there is need to use water for municipal purposes inemergency situations pending the availability of an alternativesource of supply as provided in Article 22 of the Code;


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c)For special research projects requiring the use of water forcertain periods of time;

d)For temporary use of water needed for the construction ofroads, dikes, buildings and other infrastructures; and

e)When there are unforeseen delays in the approval of theapplication and appropriation of water is necessary pending theissuance of a water permit, unless the application is protested.

Temporary permits shall be granted by the Council on a case-to-casebasis specifying the conditions and period under which the permit is valid.The Council may delegate the issuance of temporary permits for a period ofnot exceeding six (6) months and a quantity of not more than 200 liters persecond.

RULE II

CONTROL, CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WATERS,WATERSHEDS AND RELATED LAND RESOURCES

Section 27. Prohibited Construction and Navigable or FlotableWaterways. Except when allowed under these rules, the building of dams,dikes, or any structure or works or the introduction of fish contraptions orother devices which encroach into any public navigable or flotable river,stream, coastal waters, creeks, esteros or drainage channels or other navigableor flotable public waters, waterways, or bodies of water or which obstruct orimpede the free passage thereof or cause inundation, shall be ordered removedby the Minister of Public Works as prohibited construction.

The rules and regulations of the Philippine Coast Guards pertaining tonavigation shall be suppletory to these rules. Rivers, lakes and lagoons maybedeclared by the Council as navigable in whole or in part uponrecommendation of the Philippine Coast Guard.

Section 28. Determination of Easements. All easements of publicuse prescribed for the banks or rivers and the shores of seas and lakes shall bereckoned from the line reached by the highest flood which does not causeinundation or the highest equinoctial tide whichever is higher. Anyconstruction or structure that encroaches into such easement shall be orderedremoved by the Minister of Public Works.

Section 29. When Permit/Authority from the Minister of PublicWorks is Required. A permit/authority shall be secured from the Ministerof Public Works in the following instances:


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a)Construction of dams, bridges and other structures in navigableor flotable waterways;

b)Cultivation of river beds, sand bars and tidal flats;

c)Construction of private levees, revetments and other floodcontrol and river training works; and

d)Restoration of river courses to former beds.

Section 30. Place of Filing Applications. Applications forpermit/authority under the next preceding section may be filed with the PublicWorks District Engineers Office in the province where the project is to beundertaken.

Section 31. Form and Contents of Applications. All applications

shall be filed in a prescribed form sworn to by the applicant and supported bythe following:

A.For Cultivation of River Beds, Sand Bars and Tidal Flats1)Location plan showing the river bed, delineation of thearea to be cultivated, the adjoining areas and thecorresponding lessees/permittees; and

2)Information showing the crops to be planted and thecropping period.

B.For Private Flood Control Works1) Location plan showing the river channel, proposedcontrol works and existing works, if any, in the vicinity;2) Cross-sections of the river channel in the site;3) Plans and specifications of control structures;4) Construction schedule; and5) Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnership in

case applicant is a private corporation or partnership, orCertificate of Registration in case of cooperatives.

C.For Restoration of River Courses to Former Beds


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1)Affidavits of two disinterested persons attesting to thecircumstances of the changes in the course of the riveror stream, including the date when such changeoccurred;

2)Certified copies of the cadastral plans and technicaldescription of the lots affected by the river or stream,showing the former course to which the river will berestored;

3)A recent survey map of the area affected undertaken bya licensed geodetic engineer indicating the present rivercourse as well as the old cadastral stream boundaries;

4)Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnership incase applicant is a private corporation or partnership, or

Certificate of Registration in case of cooperatives; and5)Scheme and schedule of restoration.

D.For Construction of Dams, Bridges, and Other Structures inNavigable or Flotable Waterways 1)Vicinity map and location plan showing the river andthe proposed structure;

2)Cross-section of the structure with cross-section of the

river at the location of the structure showing minimumwater level, maximum flood level without structure,and maximum flood level with structure;

3)Plan showing extent of maximum flooded area withoutstructure and maximum flooded area with structure;

4)Schemes and details of provisions for passage ofwatercraft;

5)

Construction schedule; and

6)Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnership incase applicant is a private corporation or partnership, orCertificate of Registration in case of cooperatives.

Section 32. Action on Application. The Public Works District

Engineer shall investigate each application filed with this Office and, if


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recommendation to the Public Works Regional Director who, after properreview, shall transmit the application with its supporting documents and hisrecommendations to the Minister of Public Works for appropriate action.

Section 33. Limitation on Permits to Cultivate River Beds, Sand Barsand Tidal Flats. A permit to cultivate river beds, sand bars and tidal flatsshall be non-transferable and shall not be construed as authorizing reclamationof the area covered by the permit, or as conferring upon the permittee a rightof ownership thereof by acquisitive prescription.

Section 34. Construction and Completion of Work. Theconstruction of private flood control works and dams, bridges and otherstructures in navigable rivers or streams shall be undertaken within theapproved construction schedule; otherwise, the permit shall automatically becancelled unless a longer period is allowed.

Work for the restoration of a river or stream to its former bed shall becommenced within the two (2) years from the date of change in the course ofthe river or stream and completed within one (1) year from start ofconstruction.

Section 35. Establishment of Flood Control Areas. Whenever theMinister deems it necessary to declare flood control areas for the protection offlood plain lands, he shall publish the same in three (3) newspapers of generalcirculation setting forth the purpose of the declaration, the geographic limitsof the declared control area, and the regulations necessary to achieve theobjectives.

Section 36. Inter-Agency Flood Plain Management Committee. The Minister shall form an Inter-agency Flood Plain Management Committeefor each flood plain declared as flood control area, the members of which shallinclude, but not limited to, representatives from the following:

a) Ministry of Public Works;b) National Power Corporation;c) Ministry of Local Government;d) National Irrigation Administration; ande) National Water Resources Council

The functions of this Committee shall be:


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a)To establish close liaison among national and localgovernment entities and promote the best interest andthe coordinated protection and management of floodplain lands for the mitigation of flood damages viewedin a larger context to include other aspects such asenvironmental quality and public health, safety andwelfare;

b)To provide guidelines for local governments in theformulation of regulatory ordinances regarding floodplain use and occupancy;

c)To draft and recommend guidelines for flood plainmanagement in a particular flood control area in orderto achieve the goals and objectives thereof; and

d)

To perform such other functions as the Minister maydirect.

Section 37. Storage and Rafting of Logs. The Council, through its

deputies, may prohibit or control the rafting or storage of logs and other

objects on rivers and lakes when:

a)It causes pollution of waters used for domesticmunicipal purposes; and

b)It causes danger to structures such as those forirrigation, power and flood control.

Section 38. Prohibitions and Requirements on Water Impoundment.

The Council shall, upon recommendation of the Ministry of Health, prohibitthe impounding of water in ponds or reservoirs when:a) The water is found to contain excessive pollutants;b) It will degrade its quality;c) Public health is endangered; andd) Such other similar situations.Existing ponds or reservoirs falling under the aforementioned cases

shall be ordered drained by the Council or controlled by other approvedmethods.


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Section 39. Reservoir Operations. Owners or persons in control of areservoir shall submit to the Council the reservoir operation rule curve forapproval which shall be followed except during periods of extreme droughtand when public interest so requires, wherein the Council may change theoperation during the period after due notice and hearing.

The Council shall review periodically the rule curve for possiblerevisions.

A rule curve is a diagram showing the minimum water levelrequirement in the reservoir at a specific time to meet the particular needs forwhich the reservoir is designed.

Furthermore anyone who operates a reservoir shall submit to theCouncil his plan for handling maximum discharges with a view to avoidingdamage to life and property.

Section 40. Employment of Engineer in Dam Operations. Alloperators of storage dams exceeding 10 meters high or overflow dams

exceeding 2 meters high from the stream bed shall make arrangements for theperiodic inspection of said structures and its operating equipment by aregistered civil engineer for the purpose of identifying conditions which mayadversely affect the safety of these structures and giving advise to the operatoron the proper maintenance and operation thereof.

Section 41. Qualification of Well Drillers. No person shall bepermitted to undertake well drilling work unless he is duly registered with theCouncil as a well driller. No person shall be registered by the Council as awell driller unless he has at least any of the following qualifications:

a) Graduation from high school with three (3) years

experience in well drilling work duly certified by

another well driller registered with the Council; or

b) A holder of a bachelors degree in geology or

engineering with one (1) year experience in actual

drilling work.

Section 42. Permit to Drill a Well. Except for domestic use, noperson shall drill any well for the extraction of groundwater or make any

alteration to any existing well without securing a permit form the Council.

For this purpose, only well with casings not exceeding 75 millimetersin diameter may be allowed for domestic use.

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