Water sources in storm-hit Biliran towns contaminated

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 26  -- Residents of Naval town in Biliran province were warned on Tuesday to refrain from drinking water coming from open sources, such as deep wells due to coliform bacteria, particularly E-coli, contamination.

Naval’s local health office collected the samples last Dec. 20 and sent them to the Biliran Provincial Hospital for analysis. At least 16 water sources, including water refilling stations, have been subjected to sampling.

Aside from regular water potability test, health officials immediately conduct water sampling after every disaster to ensure that its sources are free from contamination.
Biliran suffered from massive landslide and flooding brought about by Tropical Storm Urduja last week.

Of the 16 sources tested, E-coli was found in 10 sources, and coliform, in three sources, including a water refilling station.

The findings prompted Naval Mayor Gerard Espina to order the temporary stoppage of operations of the said refilling station.

“Residents who have been getting drinking water from deep wells may visit their sanitary inspectors for testing to ensure public safety,” Espina said in a mobile phone interview on Tuesday.

Coliform and e-coli are types of bacteria normally found in digestive tracts and wastes of animals and humans. They are also present in plant and soil material. Some strains of these bacteria can cause diarrhea and other serious illnesses.

In Almeria town, bacteria have been detected in water sources through rigid testing by the municipal health office from 15 water sources.

At least 12 water sources tested positive for E-coli while the rest were found contaminated with coliform, said Dexter Narrido, the town’s local government operations officer.

“We advised families to boil their water before drinking and use boiled water to wash dishes to prevent food contamination,” Narrido told Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently distributed 15 water purifiers in several storm-hit villages in Biliran.

“We are aware that after every calamity, safer water is a basic need of affected residents. We turned over purifiers to ensure that people drink clean water,” said PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz.

Aside from water purifiers, the PNP also distributed relief goods, each pack of which contained five kg. of rice and some canned goods. Children also received new clothes, bags, school supplies, and flip flops. (RTA/PNA)