Davao City Septage Management Program (SMP)

1. DCWD will collect the septage from individual septic tanks and transport the collected septage using vacuum trucks equipped with spill control and disinfectant materials to the Septage Treatment Plant.
2. At the Septage Treatment Plant, DCWD will treat the collected septage.
3. After treatment, DCWD will ensure proper disposal of the effluent (liquid waste) and biosolids (organic matter).

SMP is a comprehensive program per Davao City Ordinance 0363-10 or the Septage and Sewerage Management Ordinance of Davao City that aims to protect public health and the environment by ensuring the proper collection/desludging, transport, and treatment of septage and the disposal/reuse of the treated by-products consisting of effluent and biosolids.

This program is a partnership between the City Government of Davao and Davao City Water District.

HOW DOES DCWD TREAT THE COLLECTED SEPTAGE?

1. SCREENING
   Removal of coarse solids (i.e. sticks, rags, diapers, sanitary napkins, toiletry packaging, etc.).
2. DEWATERING
   Separation of liquid and solid by removing water or moisture from the sludge to enhance the biosolids treatment
3. BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT (AERATION)
   Removal of biodegradable dissolved and colloidal organic matter using aerobic biological treatment system
4. BIOSOLID TREATMENT (LIME STABILIZATION)
   Mixing of the sludge with lime to raise the pH to greater than 12
5. COAGULATION / FLOCCULATION
   Addition of chemical coagulants to the filtrate to allow suspended and colloidal particles agglomerate into bigger particles for easier removal.
6. BIOSOLID DISPOSAL
   Shall meet Department of Health standards for Class B biosolid
7. FILTRATION
   Physical separation process that separates solid matter and fluid from a mixture using a filter medium
8. DISINFECTION
   Inactivation or elimination of pathogenic microorganisms that are present with the wastewater through chlorination
9. EFFLUENT DISPOSAL
   Shall meet the Department of Environment and Natural Resources standard for Class B receiving water body.