Sec. 3. Operative Principles. As mandated by national and general laws governing this chapter, the municipal government, acting for and in behalf of the State by virtue of its deputation by the NWRB and in coordination with its barangay governments, shall adopt sustainable water resources developmental projects and related activities consistent with the preservation, conservation and protection of water resources of the province. As such, it shall empower its constituents to monitor and safeguard the utilization of all water resources in their locality.
The objectives laid out under the Water Code of the Philippines (PD 1067), the definition of waters, scope of ownership of waters, its appropriation, utilization, control and conservation including the protection of waters and watersheds and related land resources, shall be the guiding principles in the utilization of water resources within the municipality.
Issues and conflicts regarding the use and control of waters shall be immediately resolved by adhering to explicit provisions of PD 1067.
Sec. 4. Utilization of Waters. The following shall constitute as guidelines for proper utilization of water in the Municipality of Urbiztondo:
a. In addition to the provisions of the Water Code of the Philippines, utilization of the water resources for domestic and industrial use shall be allowed PROVIDED it is in consonance with the development policies of DENR, the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, as amended, and the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275) and provided further, that it is subjected to an environmental impact assessment laid out under PD 1586.
b. Other uses such as recreation, fishing and fish farming and other related activities consistent with RA 8550, floatage/transportation and mining (e.g. off shore oil exploration) shall also be allowed provided it is subject to the regulations as above.
c. The Municipality of Urbiztondo shall maintain/rehabilitate lands along the edge of the normal high waterline of rivers and streams within the jurisdiction of the municipality. Maintenance and/or rehabilitation should be at least 20 meters inland on both banks of waterways with at least 5 meters width provided that no encroachment would be made upon private lots.
d. Clearance from concerned government agencies should be secured in the utilization of the buffer zone. For the Municipality of Urbiztondo, at least 50 meters buffer zone shall be maintained for the purpose of this ec..
e. Water peddlers and commercial surface and/or groundwater permittees in the municipality should maintain the safety and quality of their drinking waters passed on to their customers. Prior clearance should be secured from DOH for this purpose.
f. Rainwater collection and harvesting for domestic purposes shall be promoted in the municipality.
g. To rationalize the exploitation of all water resources, joint venture schemes in all waterworks projects is encouraged.
h. Conservation of fish and wildlife shall also be considered and coordinated with other features of water resources development programs to ensure that fish and wildlife values receive equal attention with other project purposes.
i. Possible inclusion of water conservation facilities/structures in the design and/or construction of building and dwellings in urban areas should be considered in the issuance of building permits.
j. Watershed conservation, rejuvenation and management (i.e., reforestation, construction of water impounding/reservoir project, soil and water conservation initiatives) should be integrated in all developmental projects utilizing water resources as its major component in order to have a continuous supply of water.
