A non-government organization has recommended that the Virac municipal government undertake measures to monitor water quality after half of 33 wells and water sources in five barangays were found positive for fecal coliform contamination.

In its Water Quality Surveillance Report, the Pampanga Disaster Response Network Inc. (PDRN) urged municipal leaders to consider the creation of a Municipal Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee to oversee the operation of water systems and the quality of water produced and distributed by them.

To be chaired by the mayor and composed of representatives from various agencies, the committee could undertake regular collection and analysis of water samples, conduct sanitary surveys, institute remedial measures to correct deficiencies in water systems, and inform the public of the quality of drinking water.

Prepared by DOH regional sanitary engineer William Sabater, the report also recommended the enactment of ordinances for the protection of water sources such as: prohibition of washing of clothes, bathing and dishwashing within 25 meters of any source of drinking water; a ban on the construction of new water sources within 25 meters from any possible source of contamination; a ban on the installation of booster pumps direct from the distribution lines of a water supply system; and, a requirement for water supply source development projects to secure a Drinking Water Site Clearance from the Rural Health Unit prior to the commencement of the project.

The LGU was also urged to prioritize water source protection project such as the provision of concrete apron and diversion canal in all artesian wells used as drinking water source; watershed protection through reforestation activities; provision of secure perimeter fence; and, piped water system projects.

Engr. Sabater suggested that barangays organize a Barangay Waterworks and Sanitation Association (BWSA) to oversee the operation and maintenance of all existing water systems and ensure the quality of water. Intensified health education should be conducted to ensure safe water from households served by doubtful sources like open dug wells, pitcher pumps, rainwater collectors and unimproved springs, he added.

Drinking water should be boiled for 3-5 minutes while the source should be treated or disinfected using chemicals like chlorine, the report stated.

The report was the result of the Water Quality Surveillance Program established by PDRN in coordination with OXFAM Hongkong to assist various LGUs, including Virac, in some of the disaster-stricken areas of Bicol region in monitoring and evaluation of drinking water sources in order to prevent and control possible outbreaks of water-borne disease like cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, amoebiasis, parasitism and skin diseases.

Found positive for contamination by E. coli organisms were four of seven pitcher pumps in Antipolo del Norte; five pitcher pumps out of seven water sources in Antipolo del Sur; a communal faucet system and one pitcher pump out of four sources in Balite; a communal faucet system and two pitcher pumps out of four sources in Batag; and, an jetmatic pump and two pitcher pumps out of 11 sources in Igang.

The program was implemented with the participation of Municipal Health Officer Dr. Lilian Olfindo, rural sanitation inspectors and Barangay health workers last July.