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Adm.
Hondrade
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Quezon
City---Laboratory tests on water samples taken recently by a team
of water quality experts from the Local Water Utilities Administration
(LWUA) on the main source and transmission and distribution lines
of the Calamba Water District (CWD) yielded negative results of
pathogenic bacteria in effect lending credence to the claim of
the CWD that it is not the source of the ongoing typhoid outbreak
in Calamba City.
LWUA Administrator Orlando C. Hondrade in an interview with GMA
television news teams disclosed the results of the tests on samples
taken by agency chemists in 22 points in the city including the
main CWD Bukal spring source and a few private shallow wells which
were processed and evaluated by a private Department of Health
(DOH)-accredited laboratory in Cubao, Quezon City over the past
weekend.
Hondrade said all 20 samples taken from the CWD system to include
the Bukal spring source yielded negative results of pathogenic
bacteria and only the sample taken from a private shallow well
showed positive results for coliform bacteria.
Hondrade said that while the tests would tend to clear CWD and
validate the safety and potability of its water supply, measures
are still needed to be undertaken by the water utility and the
local authorities to preclude pathogenic bacterial contamination
of the public water supply.
The LWUA chief urged the CWD to replace old main lines, conduct
daily water examinations and regular flushing of lines to include
the existing hydrants. He said that LWUA is ready to provide financial
and technical assistance to the CWD in the undertaking of projects
that would further ensure the safety and potability of public
water supply. In the meantime, he instructed the CWD to advise
the general public to boil their drinking water regardless of
source to prevent new incidence of the disease.
He also called on the local government authorities to restrict
public access to the Bukal Spring overflow area which is being
used for bathing and laundry by nearby residents. As per regulation,
public access and movement is restricted at least 25 meters radius
from the nearest drinking water source, according to him. He also
said that authorities have to do something to relocate squatter
families occupying the hilly area above the Bukal Spring.
Hondrade called on all sectors in Calamba City to join hands in
pinpointing the cause or causes of the ongoing typhoid outbreak
instead of pointing accusing fingers at one specific sector considering
the numerous and different sources and modes of transmitting hygiene
and sanitation-related diseases as typhoid fever.
c
March 13, 2008
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