How much do you know about RP’s water resources?

It’s the onset of summer, and most often the talk of the day is about water.

But how much does an ordinary Filipino know about the country’s water resources, so that he can play a key role in its conservation?

Along this line, this corner pored over reports on the water resources, particularly from PCARRD, for the benefit of everyone.

Here are some vital pieces of information:

The country has 421 principal rivers, 59 natural lakes, numerous streams, and four major groundwater resources with areas ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 square kilometers.

• The country’s rainfall varies from 965 to 4,064 millimeters.

• Some 30 agencies are working on the development and management of the country’s water and related land resources. The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) coordinates and regulates the development, utilization and protection of the country’s water resources.

• Total water supply comes from freshwater, which consists of both surface and groundwater. Surface water can generate 206.23 billion cubic meters per year, while groundwater can generate 20.2 billion m3/yr.

• A total of 112 major groundwater basins nationwide serve as actual sources of water. Eighteen watersheds serve domestic and industrial areas while 85 supply water to agricultural areas.

• The stock of groundwater has been decreasing at an average rate of 1.4 percent per year, that of surface water by 3.7%/yr.

• As of 1996, the total annual water demand for agriculture was 69.95 million m3/day. The total annual water demand for domestic use as of 1995 was 2.17 billion m3. Industrial water demand was 2.23 billion m3/yr. – Rudy A. Fernandez