Hilutungan Channel is safe from coliform

CEBU, Philippines – The Lapu-Lapu City Health Department, after conducting a series of analyses, has found nothing alarming about the presence of coliform in the water in the Hilutungan Channel in Lapu-Lapu City.

In his report to Mayor Paz Radaza, City Health Officer Dr. Rodolfo Berame said the amount of coliform in the seawater is below the standard range as shown in the analyses conducted in January, March, June, and September this year.

The results from the January 5 analysis showed 176 MPN/100ml. The standard range is 1000 MPN/100 ml.

In March, the results showed 148 MPN/100ml.

The results in the third and fourth analyses conducted on June 7 and September 14 showed 148 and 150, respectively.

The analyses also showed the absence of threat from fecal coliform.

Fecal coliform is a facultatively-anaerobic, rod-shaped, gram-negative, non-sporulating bacterium.

Fecal coliforms are capable of growth in the presence of bile salts or similar surface agents, oxidase negative, and produce acid and gas from lactose within 48 hours.

In general, increased levels of fecal coliform provide a warning of failure in water treatment, a break in the integrity of the distribution system, or possible contamination with pathogens.

When levels are high, there may be an elevated risk of waterborne gastroenteritis.

Tests for the bacteria are cheap, reliable and rapid (1-day incubation).

The presence of fecal coliform in aquatic environments may indicate that the water has been contaminated with the fecal material of humans or other animals.

Fecal coliform bacteria can enter rivers through direct discharge of waste from mammals and birds, from agricultural and storm runoff, and from human sewage.

However, their presence may also be the result of plant material.

Failing home septic systems can allow coliforms in the effluent to flow into the water table, aquifers, drainage ditches, and nearby surface waters.

Sewage connections that are connected to storm drain pipes can also allow human sewage into surface waters. (FREEMAN)