SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM ON THE PROPER USE OF BOOSTER PUMPS

A. Laws on the Proper Use of Booster Pump

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004/Sanitation Code of the Philippines

Per standard regulation, the use of booster pump is actually an allowed practice for water service concessionaires in instances when it is installed in the proper manner. However, existing laws and policies have strictly prohibited the improper use thereof, wherein it is installed in such a way that it siphons off water directly from the water meter.  

Booster pumps that directly draws water from the pipelines (after the water meter) poses great health hazards to the community as the forceful flow of water could introduce harmful elements to the water supply system. The extremely vigorous flow of water often damage water meter mechanisms and in times of low water pressure, illegal use of booster pumps precludes other water concessionaires from obtaining adequate water flow from the distribution lines.

 As provided under Section 27 (0) of R.A. 9275, otherwise known as the “Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004” “Directly using booster pumps in the distribution system or tampering with the water supply in such a way as to alter or impair the water quality” is a prohibited act.

Moreover, Section 13 (e) of Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the “Code of Sanitation in the Philippines” provides that “the installation of booster pump to boost water direct from the water distribution line of a water supply system, where low-water pressure prevails is prohibited.”

B. ZCWD Policy, Rules & Regulation

Board Resolution No. 171, Series of 2004

ZCWD Board Resolution No. 171, Series of 2004 had made it clear and explicit to prohibit the use or operation of booster pumps that draw directly from the water meter. 

Further, B.R. No. 171 mandates that water service accounts found to be illegally operating or using booster pumps shall be disconnected immediately without further notice.

Penalties

The following penalties are imposed for the illegal use of booster pumps (based on IRR of RA  8041):

         Classification of Account                                                        Amount

         Residential/Domestic/Government                           Php        6,350.00

         Semi-Commercial                                                                        8,850.00

         Commercial                                                                                 11,350.00

C. PROPER INSTALLATION OF BOOSTER PUMPS FOR WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS

The use of booster pump may be allowed in instances where its installation is in conformity with the proper guidelines as set by existing laws and ZCWD policies, rules & regulation.

      Steps and Necessary  Equipment in the Proper Installation of Booster Pump:

       The use of booster pump should be in accord with the following guidelines:

1. The booster pump should be installed after the water meter of the water service connection provided that a sump tank should be positioned before the booster pump.
2. After the sump tank, an overhead tank is installed to act as reservoir of the water that is siphoned by the booster pump from the said sump tank. (Please see Schematic Diagram and/or illustrated guide in the proper installation of booster pumps pumps.) 
3. The booster pump may also draw water from the sump tank towards lower level distribution system within the household or commercial establishment.