PrimeWater, in collaboration with the Batangas City Water District (BCWD), has introduced Batangas City's inaugural Septage Treatment Plant (STP), aiming to enhance public health and environmental sustainability through efficient wastewater management in the Philippines. This initiative aligns with the company's commitment to sustainable water resource management.

The newly inaugurated STP is strategically designed to deliver effective and dependable septic tank desludging services, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the water source quality in its service areas. Notably, the facility adheres to the guidelines set by the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, also recognized as RA 9275, which mandates the implementation of a septage management system to elevate water quality and uphold public health standards in communities.

Architect Vergel Angelo Paule, the Sanitation and Wastewater Department Head of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., emphasizes, "With our wastewater treatment infrastructure, we can facilitate the proper treatment of wastewater collected from septic tanks before its responsible disposal into our waterways. This commitment highlights our dedication to protecting the quality of our water sources and prioritizing environmental sustainability."

Upon becoming operational, the STP, located in Barangay San Jose Sico, will handle 80 cubic meters per day (CMD) of wastewater collected from approximately 45,000 households and businesses. It will enable consumers to comply with Ordinance No. 14, Section 19 of Sangguniang Panlungsod Series of 2021, which mandates septic tank owners to desludge every five years, in alignment with the requirements of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

According to a 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report, contaminated water and inadequate sanitation contribute to the spread of diseases such as diarrhea and hepatitis. The septage management program aims to mitigate potential threats associated with untreated wastewater, ensuring both environmental preservation and adherence to public health standards. Proper treatment and safe disposal of septage are essential not only for public health but also for maintaining clean water distribution and preventing environmental pollution, as emphasized by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS).

The STP comprises key components, including the septage acceptance and dewatering area, filtrate treatment tanks, disinfection area, and auxiliary buildings like the blower and genset room, chemical storage area, control room, and hazwaste (hazardous waste) storage room.

Paule concludes, "Our septage treatment facility will not only offer consumers desludging services, alleviating challenges related to septic overflow, but will also play a significant role in building healthier and more sustainable communities."