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

This study determined the water quality of the three major domestic water sources of Bontoc, Mountain Province, and recommend 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 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 problems in water supply quality, a filtration system may be included in the water system design, in the intake tanks, or included in a new reservoir.