Section 5Sec./Art. 5

Water Quality Management Area. - The Department, in coordination with National Water Resources Board (NWRB), shall designate certain areas as water quality management areas using appropriate physiographic units such as watershed, river basins or water resources regions. Said management areas shall have similar hydrological, hydrogeological, meteorological or geographic conditions which affect the physicochemical, biological and bacteriological reactions and diffusions of pollutants in the water bodies, or otherwise share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects or problems.

Said management area shall be governed by a governing board composed of representatives of mayors and governors of member local government units (LGUs), and representatives of relevant national government agencies, duly registered non-governmental organization, water utility sector, and business sector. The Department representative shall chair the governing board. In the case of the LGUs with memberships on more than one (1) management board, the LGU shall designate only one (1) single representative for all the management areas wherein is a member.

The governing board shall formulate strategies to coordinate policies necessary for the effective implementation of this Act in accordance with those established in the framework and monitor the compliance with the action plan.

Each management area shall create a multi-sectoral group to establish and affect water quality surveillance and monitoring network including sampling schedules and other similar activities. The group shall submit its report and recommendation to the chairman of the governing board.

A technical secretariat for each management area is hereby created which shall be part of the department and shall provide technical support to the governing board. They shall be composed of at least four (4) members who shall have the following minimum qualifications:

a) One (1) member shall be a member of the Philippines Bar;

b) One (1) member shall be a Chemical Engineer, Chemist, Sanitary Engineer, Environmental Engineer or Ecologist or significant training and experience in chemistry;

c) One (1) member shall be a Civil Engineer or Hydrologist or Significant training and experience in closely related fields and experience on ground water, respectively; and

d) One (1) member shall be a Geologist, Biologist, or significant training and experience in closely related fields.

The areas within the jurisdiction of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) shall be designated as one management area under the administration of LLDA in accordance with R.A. No. 4850, as amended: Provided, However, That the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act and wastewater charge system established pursuant hereof shall be enforced in said area.