Physico-chemical and microbiological assessment of domestic water supply in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines

Abstract

This study determined the water quality of the three major domestic water sources of Bontoc, Mountain Province, and recommended interventions to maintain water parameters within values set by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW). Results revealed that all the average values of the physico-chemical parameters measured during wet and dry seasons for the water samples from the different water sources and sampling points are within the allowable range except for turbidity and color during and just after typhoons and prolonged strong rainfalls. As to microbiological parameters, samples from the sources, storage tank, and distribution line have a very high total coliform count, and Escherichia coli content for both seasons. For heterotrophic plate count, only the water samples from Balabag Spring for both wet and dry seasons, from the storage tank during the wet season, and from Gakhan Spring during the dry season have acceptable values. Findings indicate the high vulnerability of the water sources to microbial contamination. Thus, water in all sources is not potable and is therefore not recommended for drinking purposes in its present condition. To address the water supply quality problems, filtration systems may be included in the water system design, the intake tanks, or a new reservoir. HIGHLIGHTS Water from the three major domestic water sources of Bontoc, Mountain Province is not fit for drinking.; The vulnerability of water sources to microbial contamination is high.; A filtering system may be incorporated into the design of the water system, the intake tanks, or the building of a new reservoir to help address constraints on water quality.; Water treatment practices in the households are encouraged.;

Keywords

• domestic water supply
• dry and wet season
• microbiological and physico-chemical parameters
• supply vulnerability
• treatment system
• water quality