The Potability of Water from Different Households in Selected Areas of Brgy. San Miguel, Iligan City

DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC15.150

Authors: Ann L. Jalover , Erika Mae B. Sepe , KhrysslyZoe E. Tabanag and Beaven Andrew Atienza

Abstract:

Background:Waterborne diseases have been estimated to cause more than two million deaths annually.Infectious diarrhea, one of these illnesses is the second most known cause of death below five years of age which makes it more dangerous than AIDS (WHO, 2009).According to the Water Supply Sanitation Program of the DOH, people should have an access to safe and potable drinking water. That is why there is a need people to know if the water they have is safe for drinking, may it be tap or bottled mineral water. Objective:The main purpose of this study is to determine the presence and difference of bacterial count of raw water and commercialized bottled water consumed in the selected areas of Brgy. San Miguel, Iligan City. Methodology:Descriptive- Comparative Research Method was used in this study. The subjects of this study are selected through random sampling technique. There were three sites selected as to where the samples were obtained. A Bacteriological Analysis was conducted at Iligan City Waterworks System. Results:Thetap water samples of three different sites of Baranggay San Miguel scored negative results from Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) but showed presence of coliform ( both Fecal E. coli and non-fecal ). Commercialized local bottled water were also found to be negative with HPC but contain presence of Coliform (both Fecal E. coli and non-fecal) within allowable limit. However, there is no significant difference in the number of Coliform (Fecal E. coli and non-fecal) and the heterotrophic plate count between the raw water and commercialized local bottled water from the three different sites. Conclusion: Cleanliness and sanitation in drinking water at selected areas in Brgy. San Miguel can be established. This can also be a basis of sound practical judgment for people.They can either opt to drinking tap water with slightly higher risk of ingesting bacteria or buy bottled water which is more potable. Access to safe drinking
water can be a component of effective policy for health protection.

Keywords: Coliform, Commercialized Bottled Water,Potable, Tap Water