CAMIGUIN (PIA) — The provincial government is taking measures to improve water quality, as some areas show low coliform counts, indicating clean water, while others exhibit moderate contamination levels.
Rey Jurial of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) said 11 strategic areas in the provinces were tested. “Many of the tested locations demonstrated low coliform counts, indicative of good water quality. These sites include White Island fronting Paras Resort in Mambajao, Noveau Resort in Tupsan Pequeño in Mahinog, Mantigue Island in Mahinog, the cross at Sunken Cemetery in Bonbon in Catarman, Manuyog River in Sagay, and both testing sites in Guinsiliban. All these locations recorded coliform counts of less than 18 MPN/100 mL, affirming their relatively clean water status,” he added.
However, two sites showed moderate levels of coliform contamination. Near the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Port of Benoni in Mahinog, the coliform count was 130 MPN/100 mL, while in front of the Poblacion River near the Public Market in Sagay, the count was 78 MPN/100 mL. These areas may require attention but are not as severely impacted as the heavily contaminated sites, Jurial said.
Two specific sites showed significant contamination. At 1,300 MPN/100 mL, the coliform count near the Mambajao Public Market Creek outlet in Lagundi was alarmingly high. Similarly, in front of the Poblacion River in Catarman, the coliform count was 450 MPN/100 mL, indicating substantial contamination.
In response to these findings, Jurial has recommended several measures to address these issues. These include conducting an inventory of river and creekside establishments and structures, such as pig pens and comfort rooms, that may contribute to the increased fecal count along river banks.
He also advocates for the immediate demolition of such structures that contribute to contamination. Additionally, Jurial emphasized the need “to organize and empower a Water Quality Management Unit to ensure sustained efforts in maintaining and improving water quality.”
While many areas have acceptable water quality in Camiguin, Jurial said some locations, particularly near markets and populated river outlets, are experiencing substantial contamination, necessitating urgent attention and remediation efforts to improve water safety and public health. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
