Coliform warning up In P’panga town

MASANTOL, Pampanga -- A warning against coliform and E. coli bacteria was raised in eight villages of this municipality, where at least 30 cases of diarrhea were reported over the weekend by the Philippine Medical Association.

Dr. Michael Aragon, PMA spokesman, said water they tested in Barangays Alauli, SagradaFamilia, Bagang, Balibago, Baco, Iscundo, and Sapang Kawayan proved to be contaminated with bacteria and the cause of diarrhea among residents.

Aragaon said 20 of the patients are children confined in different hospitals in Pampanga and Bulacan.

“This contaminated water here is not safe for human consumption. Eight coastal barangays are found positive with coliform bacteria and E. Coli,” he said.

Last weekend, PMA doctors initiated the water sampling in the eight villages in this coastal town with the assistance of Maynilad Water Central Office.

Meanwhile, Bulacan Governor Lilia G. Pineda directed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Provincial Health Office and other concerned agencies to coordinate immediately with municipal and barangay officials to warn residents against drinking the water straight from the tap.

The PMA said chlorine tablets or solutions should be mixed with the water and then left to stay for at least 30 minutes for it to be safe for human consumption.