Laguna de Bay Water Resources Development

A comprehensive program for the water management of Laguna de Bay, a 900-km² shallow brackish lake in the Philippines, has been studied. Hydrology was analyzed and construction of two dams recommended to protect Manila against floods and to control the lake. The water quality and main limnological aspects were established with the help of a specially built laboratory. The main problem is presently the excessive proliferation of algae triggered by the excess of nutrients mainly nitrates in the lake. Main uses of water were evaluated: fish raising, irrigation, water supply including operation of a 8-m³/hr pilot plan and the corresponding water quality criteria. A first approach of the pollution control program needed to obtain the results was completed and the economic interest for the community ascertained. Recommendations were done on the institutional organization and the mode of financing without which the best program remains unapplied.