By Alexander Villafania
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA—The Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) has affirmed that Metro Manila’s tap water is safe to drink.
According to tests by DOST and the Department of Health (DOH) this April, water from concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc (MWSI) and the Manila Water Company (MWC), are free from elements that can cause water diseases.
DOST scientists disproved reports that water from Metro Manila’s tap water is contaminated due to improper filtration and illegal connections, which could cause entry of hazardous material.
Evangeline Clemente, laboratory head for MWSI said that they consistently monitor their water distribution to allow for safe drinking and cooking.
Since 2010, MWSI has been getting 100 percent satisfactory compliance rating from the Metro Manila Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee.
The committee is composed of representatives from several health agencies, including the DOH, the Manila Health Department, Marikina Clean Food Laboratory, Makati Health Department, Pasay City Health Department, Paranaque City Health Department, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, among others.
Each month, the committee conducts water sampling for bacteriological, physical, and chemical examination of at least 800 concession areas of Maynilad. Water quality is based on the national standards for drinking water set by the DOH.
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