WITH public school classes opening tomorrow, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is conducting a series of water-testing activities in several schools in Cebu City to keep students from water-borne diseases.
MCWD kicked off the activity with Banilad Elementary School as its pilot area yesterday.
With around 1,750 pupils expected, school principal Dr. Lily Ann Go said their priority is to ensure their safety and hygiene.
“Although we have no reports of incidents in the past three years, we want to prevent negative scenarios,” she said.
MCWD public affairs manager Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara said the water district is testing for four kinds of bacteria, particularly coliform, in some of the heavily populated schools. MCWD is conducting the tests in public schools for free and the results will be released after three days.
The presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water may indicate the presence of harmful, disease-causing organisms.
“Normally, schools mix their water from MCWD and private sources in one container. However, this is not advisable since it may lead to contamination,” Kara said.
Aside from separating containers, Kara said it is important to maintain cistern tanks and check piping systems for any leakage regularly. She also advised practicing water treatment in schools by chlorination.
Aside from Banilad, other schools that will be tested are Abellana National High School, Cebu City Central School, Labangon Elementary School, Basak Community School, and Lahug Elementary School.
The list also includes Tisa II Elementary School, Pardo Elementary School, Tejero Elementary School, Talamban National High School, Talamban Elementary School, Guadalupe Elementary School, Punta Princesa Elementary School, and Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School. (RTF)