Despite inconsistencies in coliform results: Swimming discouraged in Lapu-Lapu seawaters

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that the monthly results on fecal coliform concentrations in Lapu-Lapu seawaters are inconsistent within the first three months of this year because of the numerous contributory factors.

The results of the Beach Ecowatch Monitoring Report conducted by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau on 12 beach stations show a fluctuating pattern on the level of coliform concentrations.

In January, the highest recorded concentration is 24,000 milligrams per liter for both total and fecal coliform. Five beach stations exceeded the standard concentration of 1,000 mg/L and 200 mg/L for total and fecal coliform, respectively.

According to the DENR, if the coliform concentration exceeds the standard set, it is considered a pollutant.

In February, however, the total and fecal coliform concentration results both reached 240,000 mg/L. In this month, seven stations exceeded standard concentrations.

Last month, the highest concentration for both total and fecal coliform is 300 mg/L. Only three beach stations exceeded the standard for fecal coliform concentration and none for total coliform concentration.

According to Engr. Marcelino Tabuco, officer-in-charge of the DENR Pollution Control Division, factors such as the weather and various human activities that discharge waste are just a few of the contributory factors on the concentration results retrieved by the DENR-EMB.

He explained that during rainy seasons, more waste is flushed into the seas contributing to the level of fecal coliform concentration.

DENR-EMB collects one-gram samples of seawater from each beach station and analyzes these in their laboratory.

Tabuco explained that the level of fecal concentration on seawaters is an indicator of waterborne diseases whereas the total coliform, which is composed of numerous particles, may not be detrimental to the public.

Fecal coliform is brought about through waste discharges from humans and warm-blooded animals.

Department of Health-Environment and Occupation health coordinator Engr. Evangeline Cañoneo said that she could not yet make any statements or conclusions regarding the results because of its inconsistency, especially on the sudden drop of coliform concentrations between the months of February and March.

However, she emphasized that the public should not let their guard down despite such inconsistencies. 

Tabuco also discouraged them from taking a bath in seawaters reported with high fecal concentrations because they might swallow some of the water which would trigger stomach aches, or diarrhea.

As of now, the DENR is sending the coliform concentration results to the Lapu-Lapu City government.

The results for this month’s coliform concentration will most probably be out by next week. — Queennie Rose P. Olaño and Karen Grace H. Yasi (THE FREEMAN)