Sustainable Programs

DLSU-D Sewage Treatment Plant

The university is in the process of upgrading and rehabilitation of the STP to be compliant with DAO 2021-19 wherein new physico- chemical parameters are added by the DENR-EMB for monitoring.

The activated sludge process, which involves the biological action of the continuously cultured bacteria in the mixed liquor and wastewater in the presence of air or oxygen is utilized by the STP. The activated sludge portion is separated from the treated wastewater in the succeeding treatment unit (settling tank) and for its subsequent return or recirculation to the aeration tank via sludge hopper where the slid sludge down and back to the aeration tank.

The STP was developed by DLSU-D in response to the passage of Republic Act 9275 otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

The Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is strategically situated in the lowest part of the west campus so that the collected wastewater will flow easily with the help of gravity.

Currently, the lake which serves as the rainwater catch basin provides the water during dry season to be used for watering plants within the Botanical Garden area. Aerators are installed to maintain the health index of the lake.

The STP is able to process 300 cubic meters of water per day. One hundred percent of water that goes through the process is cleared of particles that may cause damage to human health and pose danger to the environment. However, due to the absence of a cistern, which is still being planned for procurement, the treated water is released to the Imus river with no danger to the environment.

Phase 2 of the rehabilitation and upgrading program of the STP aims to reuse treated water for garden watering and toilet flushing. This is addressing the PAASCU recommendation to retain the Level IV Accreditation of the University.

Water Pollution Control Measures

To maintain and improve the water quality of the DLSU-D Lake, the following control measures have been implemented:

• Operation of seven (7) submersible pumps and water aerators to ensure proper oxygenation and circulation.
• Regular monitoring of lake water quality covering physical and chemical parameters.
• Deployment of Bokashi balls every six (6) months to promote microbial activity and reduce organic sludge.
• Manual scooping of fallen leaves and branches to prevent decomposition and nutrient loading in the lake.
• Installation of enclosed phytoremediation plants to enhance the natural filtration and purification process.

Wastewater and Hazardous Waste Management

• All canteens are required to install grease traps in kitchen sinks to minimize oil and grease discharge.
• Used cooking oil is collected and stored in the Hazardous Waste Area for proper disposal or recycling.
• Used engine oil from the university’s transport services and shuttle units is safely collected and stored in the Hazardous Waste Storage Area.
• Used laboratory chemical wastes are properly collected in labeled amber bottles to ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal.

Water Conservation Measures

The University policy on watering plants is implemented from 7-9 am and 4-6 pm only. Toilets are also now using dual flush toilets to minimize consumption of water. This measure allows the University to prevent unnecessary waste of the resource thorughout the day.

Treated Water Consumption

The University maintains three (3) operational pump stations that extract groundwater resources certified by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB). These facilities collectively provide a total water supply capacity of 300 cubic meters per day, sufficient to meet the requirements of the University’s current population of approximately 3,730 students, faculty, and staff.

All extracted groundwater undergoes chlorination to ensure safety and potability. The operation and maintenance of the water system are managed by the Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office (BFMO). To ensure compliance with health and safety standards, regular water quality testing is conducted by PrimeWater Dasmariñas, an accredited water testing laboratory, in coordination with the University Health Clinic.

In accordance with the BFMO’s 2024 Allocation Policy, initiatives are being implemented to promote efficient and sustainable water use within the campus. Current monitoring records indicate that approximately 75% of the total treated water produced is consumed for various institutional operations, with continuous efforts to optimize water utilization and minimize wastage.

VERDE Gardening: Water Conservation

The VERTtical Drip Ecological (VERDE) gardening is among the advocacies of the One Million Trees and Beyond Movement to promote green spaces for gardening in an urban setting. One of its components is water conservation.

Preventive Maintenance Manual

The Buildings and Grounds Facilities Management Office (BFMO) is institutionalizing a Preventive Maintenance Manual to ensure regular monitoring and assessment of water facilities and equipment on the campus.

Water Efficient Structures

The University utilizes water efficient structures such as dual flush toilets that conserve water by a flushing mechanism that controls the water used in order to flush either solid or liquid waste. Currently, there are 584 dual flush toilets available to the Lasallian community.