Mandaue closes dirty water vending machines

AFTER issuing Cease and Desist Order (CDO) against 17 operators of automated water vending machines, the Mandaue City government advocates confiscation if these still are found operating.

A water analysis conducted by the City Health Office that same week revealed that water from these machines contained coliform and E. coli which is known to cause diarrhea.

City Health Officer Edna R. Seno said they will inspect these establishments to see whether the operators have done something about the matter.

She said that if these operators fail to cooperate with the city’s “gentle” approach, they will be forced to confiscate the machines.

“If they do not conform, then we do not have a choice,” said Seno.

Despite the presence of harmful bacteria in the water from these vending machines, Seno said that there had been no reported cases of diarrhea so far.

However, Seno has expressed her alarm over the issue. “It’s really alarming. It should be zero,” said Seno.

Seno added that the City Health Office is looking into establishing guidelines for the operation of these water vending machines.

City Legal Officer Giovanni Tianero issued the CDO against the 17 operators of the machines last week./UP Intern Victor Anthony V. Silva