Is Philippines rich in water resources?
It is ironic that a country with a looming water crisis like the Philippines is actually rich in water resources. The country has 421 river basins, 72 lakes and numerous streams and creeks that altogether represent 86.2 percent of the country’s total water resource potential (Table 2).
Why is the Philippines abundant in water?
The Philippines’ main sources of water are rivers, lakes, river basins, and groundwater reservoirs. … Its groundwater reserves are 47,895 million cubic meters replenished by rainfall and seepage from rivers and lakes. The lakes are utilized mainly for fish cultivation.
How much freshwater does the Philippines have?
The Philippines has a rainfall of 2500 mm and freshwater resources consisting of surface inland waters (lakes, rivers, reservoirs and swamps) and groundwater. There are about 70 lakes in the country with an aggregate area of 200,000 hectares and 106,328 hectares of freshwater swamps.
Is Philippines abundant in freshwater?
Water resources of the Philippines include inland freshwater (rivers, lakes, and groundwater), and marine (bay, coastal, and oceanic waters). Overall, there is sufficient water but not enough in highly populated areas, especially during dry season.
How much of the Philippines is water?
In the Philippines, 91% of the country’s estimated 100.7 million population have access to at least basic water services; but access is highly inequitable across the country, with regional basic water services access ranging from 62% to 100%.
Why is water a primary concern in many areas in the Philippines?
Despite its growing economy, the Philippines faces significant challenges in terms of water and sanitation access. The country is rapidly urbanizing, and its growing cities struggle to provide new residents with adequate water and sanitation services. … They lack access to life’s most critical resource – water.
Do you think the Philippines is fortunate to be blessed with abundant freshwater?
Water everywhere
BASED on the latest National Mapping Resources and Information Authority data, the Philippines is blessed with abundant freshwater supply. Water from rains during the wet season that usually starts in June replenishes the country’s freshwater supply. The Philippines has 143 critical watersheds.
What comprises the water ecosystem in the Philippines?
The Philippines has various freshwater ecosystems consist- ing of lakes, swamps, reservoirs, rivers, ponds and small impound- ments with an aggregate area of over 370,000 ha (Table 1 ). Our freshwater ecosystems are valuable resources from the standpoint of the economy, as well as that of biodiversity.
What about the issue on the lack of freshwater supply in the community?
Rapid population growth combined with industrialization, urbanization, agricultural intensification and water-intensive lifestyles is resulting in a global water crisis. About 20 per cent of the population currently lacks access to safe drinking water, while 50 per cent lacks access to a safe sanitation system.