The University of the Cordilleras (UC) treats and reuses its own wastewater. In 2025, the campus supplied 17,847 m³ of recycled water for non-potable uses, easing demand on the city’s potable supply. The work is led by the Campus Management Office’s Campus Compliance & Pollution Control Officers Unit. Its Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has a capacity of 1,200 m³ per day.

How the system works

The STP treats wastewater from campus toilets, urinals, sinks and lavatories. Treated water then moves through these stages:

• Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration: An RO system serves as the final treatment stage. It removes residual impurities so treated wastewater can be safely reused for non-potable applications.
• Wastewater reuse and recycling: Treated wastewater is used to flush toilets and to water campus plants and landscaping. This significantly reduces the University’s potable water demand.
• Rainwater harvesting integration: The rainwater harvester tank collects rainwater from building rooftops. The water is filtered, stored in non-potable tanks and combined with recycled wastewater for non-potable uses. This further reduces reliance on the city’s main water supply.

Compliance and safety

• Regular inspections and maintenance: JPBanosan Construction and a Buildings Maintenance Office technician carry out routine inspections and preventive maintenance of STP equipment. This includes pumps, filtration units and the RO system.
• Effluent monitoring: Effluent is sampled at the STP every quarter. The sampling confirms compliance with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2016-06, the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016.
• Discharge permit: The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has issued the University a Discharge Permit under Republic Act 9275, the Philippine Clean Water Act.

Results in 2025

The University drew 33,087 m³ of water from the Baguio Water District in 2025 and used 17,847 m³ of recycled water on top of that. That means about 35% of all water used on campus came from recycled sources rather than the city supply. Recycled water use peaked in August (1,971 m³) and July (1,830 m³). In July, it nearly matched potable consumption (1,966 m³).

Treating campus sewage before discharge supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by protecting public water resources and local ecosystems. Reusing treated wastewater and harvested rainwater supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing potable water demand. Operating advanced treatment infrastructure supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Responsible effluent management also contributes to safe, sustainable communities under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Source: Campus Management Office, University of the Cordilleras,