Water Quality Assessment of Lower and Upper, Lilingayon

Valencia City Bukidnon

A Research Presented to the Faculty of

Lilingayon National High School (LiNHS)

In partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Capstone

RONALD JEM R. RELENTE

LARRY S. PADOR JR.
RIZALYN S. EDULLANTES
RELMAE JOY L. YAM OC
CHRISIA MAE G. TRINIDAD
LEONARD ROSS VAN PELAEZ
JEAN TAGANAS
General Academic Strand (GAS)-12

March, 2024
 Chapter 1

The Problem & The Background of the Study

This chapter presents the introduction of the study. It includes the

statement of the problem, significance, scope and delimitation of the study,

objectives and definition of terms.

Introduction

Water quality assessment is a critical component of environmental

monitoring and management, as it directly impacts human health, ecosystem

sustainability, and socio-economic development. With increasing

anthropogenic activities and environmental stressors, the need for accurate

and efficient water quality assessment methods has become paramount.

Previous studies in developing countries have identified a progressive

contamination of drinking water samples with E. coli and total coliforms from

source to the point of use in the household especially as a result of using dirty

containers for collection and storage processes: Moreover, the type of water

treatment method employed at household levels the type of container used to

store drinking water.

The study of Brown and Johnson (2019) delve into the multifaceted

dynamics of fecal coliform bacteria contamination within river ecosystems.

The study sets the stage by highlighting the critical importance of

understanding the sources and fate of fecal coliform bacteria in rivers due to

their implications for public health and environmental quality. They underscore

the significant role that rivers play in providing freshwater resources for

drinking, agriculture, and industry, emphasizing the need to safeguard their

water quality. Furthermore, they discuss the complex interplay of natural and
anthropogenic factors contributing to fecal coliform contamination in river

systems, including agricultural runoff, urban discharges, wildlife fecal matter,

and faulty sewage infrastructure. By framing the review within this context,

Brown and Johnson lay the groundwork for exploring the various sources and

pathways through which fecal coliform bacteria enter and propagate within

river environments, setting the stage for a comprehensive analysis of this

critical environmental issue.

By uncovering the underlying factors affecting water quality, this study

aims to offer crucial insights for local authorities, stakeholders, and residents.

These insights will facilitate the development and implementation of targeted

interventions aimed at preserving and restoring the water resources, ensuring

the sustainable management of this vital natural asset.

Statement of the Problem

Access to clean water is fundamental for human survival, and its

importance in people’s lives has remained evident over the years. On

contrary, many regions have been challenged by the different water related

issues, like water contamination, water shortage and etc. To ensure the safety

of the humanity, water must be tested for a microbial property based on the

different parameters. The drinking water parameters such as E. coli and Fecal

coliform were measured and compared with the DENR Administrative Order

08 series of 2018 water quality standard for class AA and Philipphine National

Standards for Drinking Water. This study was conducted to determine the

present condition on the quality of drinking water in Lower and Upper Spring

located at P-8, Lower Lilingayon Valencia City Bukidnon and P-1, Upper
Lilingayon Valencia City Bukidnon. Specifically, it aims to answer the following

questions:

1. What is the level of E. Coli and total coliforms bacteria in these water

sources?

2. Is there a significant difference upon the study’s findings to the water

quality standards established by the PNSWD and DENR 08 series of

2016; and

3. Is there a significant difference on the issues and concerns about

drinking water quality?

Objective of the Study

This study aimed to determine the water Quality Assessment of Upper

and Lower Spring, Lilingayon Valencia City Bukidnon.

It specifically aims to:

1. Determine the presence of E. coli and total coliforms bacteria in this

water source.

2. Compare the results of the study to the water quality standards set by

the PNSWD and DENR 08 series of 2016; and

3. Evaluate the issues and concerns related to the quality of the drinking

water.

Significance of the Study

The result of this study will significantly advantage to the following

group of people (1) People in the society, the result of the study can

provide information to the people which is the consumer of the water from

the said spring, if the water they drink is safe and clean. (2) Local officials,

this study can determine what are the possible actions they might do for
 the betterment of the water spring. (3) Learners/Researchers, the

outcomes of this study can be used by the future researchers as their

basis for their research study associated to this.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The research study is conducted at P-1 Upper Lilingayon and P-8

Lower Lilingayon Valencian City Bukidnon. The researchers get some

water sample from the said spring. The water analysis was limited only to

the determination of E. coli and total coliform bacteria.

There is only 1 laboratory used in the determination of the parameter

and this is the Microbial Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine in

Central Mindanao University, Musuan Maramag Bukidnon.

Definition of terms
The following terms are defined as either theoretical or operational to

supply clarity as these words utilizes in this study.

E. coli. – In the context of water quality, the presence of E. coli is a strong

indicator of recent sewage or animal water contamination.

Access to safe drinking water – Means that the source is less than 1 kilometer

away from its place of use and it is possible to reliably obtain at least 20 liters

per member of a household per day.

Fecal coliform bacteria – High levels of fecal coliform bacteria in water can

indicate a higher risk of pathogens being present that can cause diseases like

typhoid fever, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and ear infections.

 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

This section presents the literature and related studies on water quality,

access to safe drinking water, and some of the microbiological parameters in

assessing drinking water.

Water Quality
The phrase "water quality" refers to certain attributes of water, including

its physical, chemical, and biological properties. These properties of a body of

water, known as its "water quality," determine how suitable the water is for

various uses such as drinking, supporting ecosystems, farming, industrial

processes, and recreational activities. As the population grows, water quality

is becoming a pressing concern. In many parts of the world, human activities

have led to numerous and complex alterations in the natural quality of water

(Chapman et. Al 2006).

According to Prince and Heberling (2018) linking source water quality

to drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) expenditures. It examines various

water quality parameters such as turbidity, total organic carbon, nitrogen,

sediment loading, and phosphorus loading. The research analyzes the

elasticities, which indicate the percentage change in drinking water treatment

costs resulting from a 1% change in water quality.

The findings of the study indicate relatively large ranges in the

estimated elasticities for most water quality parameters. However, average

elasticities are smaller and ranges typically narrower for studies that
incorporated control variables consistent with economic theory in their

models.

Access to Safe Drinking Water

Access to clean and safe drinking water is vital for human survival.

However, due to the growing population, many areas in the country are

experiencing water scarcity. During certain times of the year, such as the dry

season, water shortages are common, forcing people to depend on potentially

unsafe sources of drinking water. The World Health Organization (WHO)

reports that 2.1 billion individuals worldwide lack access to safe drinking

water, with those in rural areas with limited infrastructure being the most

affected. In the Philippines, this issue is evident as while 91% of the country's

estimated 100.7 million population have access to basic water services, the

distribution of access is highly uneven across the country. To address this

water insecurity, various organizations and groups are joining forces to ensure

that all citizens have access to safe drinking water. Rapid population growth

exacerbates water quality issues. In many parts of the world, human activities

have resulted in multiple and complex changes to the natural quality of water

(Chapman et. Al 2006).

E. coli

E. coli, short for Escherichia coli, is a kind of bacteria that naturally

resides in the intestines of humans and some animals. While most types of E.

coli are harmless and even contribute to a healthy digestive system, certain

strains can cause illness if you consume contaminated food or water.

Although E. coli is often associated with food poisoning, it can also lead to
other conditions like pneumonia and urinary tract infections. In fact, E. coli is

responsible for an estimated 75 to 95% of urinary tract infections. This is

because E. coli is a common inhabitant of the intestines, which allows it to

easily reach the urinary tract (Sabrina Felson 2020).

The study conducted by Lagerstrom and Hadly from Stanford

University, focuses on the genetic diversity, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial

resistance of E. coli in wild animals. It highlights the potential role of wild

animals as reservoirs for pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli strains

and the implications for human health. The study calls for greater research

efforts to understand the existence of E. coli in wild animals and its

implications for global public health.

Table 1. Mean E. coli in the sampled water sources of crystal, Maramag

Bukinon during the sampling period of January 2011

SAMPLIN MEAN E. coli COUNT DENR STANDARD FOR CLASS

G MPN/100mL AA WATER, MPN/100mL

STATION

1 2

2 1

1 0 0

2 0

1 0

2 3

Source: Rosello (2011)

Fecal Coliform Bacteria

 The study conducted by Smith and Doe (2018) comprehensively

examines fecal coliform bacteria contamination in surface water, shedding

light on the various sources, implications, and mitigation strategies associated

with this pervasive environmental issue. Through an extensive analysis of

existing literature, the authors highlight the widespread presence of fecal

coliform bacteria in surface water bodies and the potential risks posed to

human health and ecosystem integrity. They discuss the diverse origins of

fecal coliform contamination, including agricultural runoff, urban stormwater

discharge, and inadequately treated wastewater effluents. Furthermore, Smith

and Doe underscore the importance of understanding the fate and transport

mechanisms of fecal coliform bacteria in surface water systems, emphasizing

the need for effective monitoring and management practices to safeguard

water quality. The study also examines the efficacy of different treatment

technologies and regulatory measures aimed at reducing fecal coliform levels

and mitigating associated health risks. Overall, this review serves as a

valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and water resource

managers seeking to address fecal coliform bacteria contamination in surface

water environments.

Table 2. Comparison of the level of Bacteria among Sampled Station in San

Roque, Quezon, Bukidnon to the DOH standard for Class AA during the

sampling period of August to September 2009.

SAMPLING STATION AVERAGE LEVEL DOH STANDARD

Spring <4.29 MPN/100mL

Reservoir <5.88 MPN/100mL <1.1 MPN/100mL

 Faucet <8.00 MPN/100mL

Source: Semblante (2011)

Hypothesis

The water quality assessment of Lower and Upper Lilingayon Valencia

City, Bukidnon will reveal no significant difference in key parameters,

indicating both locations maintain high water quality standards unaffected by

contamination.
 Chapter 3

Methodology

Procedural Framework of the Study

The procedural framework of the study was shown in Figure 1. In this

the following activities were done: selection of the study site, field

reconnaissance, and collection of samples, laboratory analysis, collecting

data and writing the manuscript.

Selection of study site Center Spring

Field reconnaissance Collection of

Sample
PH:
Microbial Laboratory,
Parameter being Temperature
College of Veterinary
Medicine, CMU, Musuan, Tested
Bacterial Analysis
Maramag Bukidnon

Laboratory Analysis

Primary data:

Collecting data from the

Collecting of Data
respondents through
questionnaires

Secondary data:
Writing the
manuscript Collecting secondary data
from P-1 Upper and P-8
Lower Lilingayon
 Figure 1. Procedural Framework of the Study

Location of the Study

Lilingayon is the largest Baranggay of Valencia City and has 8, 040

total population it covers a total land area of 13,246 hectares and divided into

different sitios. The study was conducted on Upper and Lower Spring located

in Purok-1 and Purok-8 Lilingayon Valencia City. This area is beside a road

and surrounded with an agricultural and forested area.

Collection of Water Sample

The collection of the water sample was conducted on April 22, 2024 @

7:00 am and 7:05 am in both sampling station. Before the collection of the

water sample, stenlized sampling bottle were secured and labeled with the

following information name of the water source, date collected, and time.

When getting the water sample the crater of the bottle shouldn't be touch. We

handled it carefully, so that it can't be contaminated. The water sample were

property placed in the box filled with ice and brought immediately in Central

Mindanao University, Microbial Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, for

testing E Coli and total coliforms.

Table 3:

SAMPLING DATE TIME OBSERVATION

 STATIONS

UPPER SPRING APRIL 22, 2024 7:00 AM WEATHER

SUNNY

LOWER APRIL 22, 2024 7:05 AM WEATHER

SPRING SUNNY

Interview of the Respondents in the Study Area

In order to gather data, 15 respondents were interviewed in order to

supplement the data of quantitative of water in the study area. The question

includes the demographic profile, uses of water, issues and concerned related

to the quality. quantity and use of the water in the area.

Statistical Analysis

Descriptive statistics were employed in the study to analyze considered

parameters. The observed values were compared with the DENR Standards

for Class AA water and Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water

(PNSDW)

Table 4. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) DENR

Standards for Class AA water and Philippine National Standard for Drinking

Water

PARAMETERS UNIT DENR PNSWD

Standards for

Class AA water
Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL <1.1 <1.1

E. Coli MPN/100mL <1.1