Tap water safe, healthy to drink – MCWD

CEBU, Philippines — Drinking tap water is safe and healthy containing several essential minerals good for the body, according to the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

MCWD, in a statement, said tap water has 72 minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, chromium, fluorine, zinc, and copper, among others.  Calcium, for instance, keeps the bones and teeth strong and healthy.

MCWD made the statement to support Cebu City Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s proposal, requiring restaurants to serve free potable water to customers.

"The benefits of these minerals to the body are so huge compared to the price of tap water. It also does not have any calories,” said MCWD.

MCWD also said tap water is much cheaper than bottled water. A 500 milliliter of bottled water is sold at P15, which is equivalent to the price of a one cubic meter tap water.

It said drinking tap water has also environmental benefits compared to bottled water as the latter contributes to the plastic garbage pollution.

MCWD, however, is aware of the concerns on the safety of drinking tap water.

But MCWD is implementing measures to prevent contamination of its water sources and is taking daily samples to check water potability.

MCWD has a Department of Health-accredited water laboratory, which conducts regular water quality tests to ensure that the water reaches to each of the consumer’s meter passes the standards set by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

“Consumers only have to ensure that their pipes from the meter to their households or buildings are free from contamination to ensure the quality of drinking water. Pipes should not be submerged in canals or dirty surroundings. Leaks should also be repaired right away," it added.

Moreover, MCWD advised consumers to ask their local hardware stores for the standard life span of their pipes and fixtures.

The pipes should also be replaced regularly while the storage tanks should be checked and cleaned to maintain the quality and safety of the consumers’ water supply, said MCWD. (FREEMAN)