DOH: Only 9 of 35 sites in Puerto Galera pass water quality standards
MANILA, Philippines — Only nine out of 35 sampling stations in the municipality of Puerto Galera in Mindoro have passed the water quality standards, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.
“The results released last April 14, 2023, show that only 9 sampling stations have met the criteria for water quality guidelines set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2016-08 or the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016,” the DOH said in a statement.
According to the agency, Puerto Galera areas that met the criteria for water quality guidelines on “oil and grease” contaminants were Small Lalaguna and Big Lalaguna Shoreline, Balete, Central Sabang Shoreline, Coco Beach, Batangas Channel, Paniquian, Balatero, and West San Isidro Bay.
It did not enumerate the 26 sites that failed the water quality assessment based on the standards set under the DENR order.
The DOH also explained that the result of the water quality test “is not conclusively related to the oil spill,” which ensued off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro province, after fuel tanker MT Princess Empress submerged on February 28.
The vessel was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank following engine trouble amid rough sea conditions.
READ: Oil leak continues 22 days after tanker submerged off Oriental Mindoro
The DOH then advised the public to exercise caution and refrain from consuming water and fish, shellfish, and other seafood from contaminated areas.
“For drinking water, the DOH reiterates that potable water should not have detectable levels of contaminants beyond the standards as these pose potential health hazards,” it stressed.
“Also, exposure to such contaminants may also cause various skin diseases such as rashes and blisters. Oils and grease may also result in aspiration leading to respiratory diseases, while ingestion will cause gastrointestinal irritations, which may manifest acutely as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,” it added.
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