Philippine Congressman Advocates for Mandatory Rainwater Collection Systems in Buildings

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers is advocating for the approval of a bill that would require the installation of rainwater collection systems in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.

The proposed mandate for rainwater collection systems (RCS) is outlined in House Bill 4837, which Barbers introduced on Sept. 14, 2022.

Barbers emphasized the urgency of his proposal in light of the El Niño phenomenon, urging swift approval. "The global extreme weather conditions, apparently due to climate change, have underscored the need for mandatory RCS installation in all future residential, commercial, and institutional buildings," Barbers stated.

He further clarified that an RCS refers to a facility designed to capture, retain, and store rainwater runoff from buildings, parking lots, or other man-made, impermeable surfaces for later onsite use.

While acknowledging that RCS is not a new concept in the Philippines, especially in rural areas with limited water supply, Barbers noted a lack of emphasis on rainwater collection in urban areas like Metro Manila, where established service companies such as Maynilad and Manila Water provide consistent and abundant water supply.

The bill aims to compel owners or developers of new residential, commercial, and institutional buildings to incorporate an RCS in their building plans. It stipulates that local government units and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board may not permit the construction of buildings without an RCS.

Failure to comply with the installation requirement would incur penalties under the proposed legislation.