• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Carlos Primo David said that all 500 water districts under the DENR produce potable water.
David, who heads the Water Resources Management Board, said all water districts including Prime Water, are required to submit monthly chemical and bacteriological tests for the potability of their water.
But there are instances that even if water produced by water treatment facilities are clean like in Bacolod City, it could be possible for water that pass through pipes that have leaks and become contaminated, he said.
David said they have the jurisdiction to call the attention of the water district if the quality of their water is not good. He will also check with Baciwa-Prime Water if there is a problem.
He said Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga hails from Bago City and prioritizes Region VI, as well as Canlubang in Region IV.
Meanwhile, Integrated Chemists of the Philippines – Bacolod Chapter president Roselyn Usero said almost all water refilling stations in Bacolod City have passed the standards of the Department of Health (DOH).
Usero said all or 100 percent of these water refilling stations are required to have their water checked to determine if they have passed the standards of the department.
ICP is an accredited laboratory of the DOH and water can be said to be safe for drinking if it has passed the standards of the DOH, both physical and biological tests, she added.
Both David and Usero were among the resource speakers during the 37th Philippines Chemistry Congress at SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City that opened Wednesday.*
