Manila Bay still unsafe for bathers

OFF-LIMITS The water may look clean but tests say otherwise. —EDWIN BACASMAS

The Department of Health on Thursday advised the public against swimming in Manila Bay despite the ongoing massive clean-up drive of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We advise them to wait until water tests can show that it is safe for swimming,” Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said.

He explained that although the water appeared to be clean, it did not mean that it was safe to bathe in.

“Laboratory tests will show the level of coliform in the water and it [will] tell us if it is within acceptable levels,” Domingo added.

He said that among the water-borne diseases the public might acquire from swimming in Manila Bay were diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, skin diseases and eye infection.

The Manila city government has banned swimming in the bay for health reasons.