2 rivers, 2 lakes in Visayas, Mindanao eyed as sources of drinking water

MANILA, Philippines—Two rivers and two lakes in the country’s southern parts have been classified as potential sources of drinking water by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), an official said.

Lake Danao in Ormoc City, the upper reaches of Paypayan and Langaran rivers in Misamis Occidental, and Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur, have been categorized as “Class A,” or whose waters “require complete treatment to meet national standards for drinking water.”

The DENR has classified 21 new water bodies for their best use, including the four rivers and lakes in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said in a news release.