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EMB 2012 Water Quality Status Report Final
EMB 2012 Water Quality Status Report Final
Central Visayas region, Region 7, is located at the central part of the Visayas island
group with a land area of 15,875 km. It is bordered by the Visayan Sea and the province of
Masbate in the north, Mindanao Sea in the south, Negros Occidental in the west and the
island of Leyte in the east. It consists of four (4) provinces, namely: Cebu, Bohol, Negros
Oriental and Siquijor (see figure below). It includes three (3) independent cities namely:
Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City. Cebu City is its regional center.
As of the 2010 Census and Housing Population conducted by the National Statistics
Office, Central Visayas had a population of 6,800,180 making it the 5th most populous of the
country's 17 regions. The census showed an average annual population growth rate of
1.77% from 2000 to 2010, significantly less than the national average of 1.90%. The regions
economic strengths are in exports, tourism, and commerce. It is home to several economic
zones, nationally recognized tourist attractions and facilities as well as shipping and trading
companies.
As a whole, the region is hilly and mountainous. The flatlands of the region serve as
the land for farming and other cottage industries. The region experiences little or no rainfall
at all because of the mountains that serve as protection against the strong typhoons that
other parts of the country get. But there are times that the region gets affected by strong
typhoons. The land used for farming in the region is not as big as the other regions. Aside
from palay, the farmers also plant corn, sugarcane, abaca, coconut, tobacco and root crops.
They also subsist on fishing because most islands are surrounded by water.
There are also a number of home industries in the region. The people manufacture
bags, fans, placemats and other household things. The food industry includes biscuits and
bread, chicharon and other food items that only the region can produce. It is blest with
beautiful beaches, a plethora of sea life, and areas with natural wonders.
As of December 2005, the EMB Region 7 had classified 19 principal rivers, 11 minor
rivers, and 10 bays. Below is the list of classified water bodies.
Table 1. Regional Water Resources Profile (as of December 2005)
#
A. River or Stream
1
Abatan River - Cortes, Bohol
Class
A
B
C
A
B
A
B
A
B
C
A
B
D
A
A
A
A
B
AA
A
B
6
7
8
9
10
Banica River-headwaters in
Valencia, Negros Oriental with exit
in Dumaguete City
Bayawan River-Bayawan, Negros
Oriental
Butuanon River-Mandaue City
Canaway River-Siaton, Neg O
Cawitan River-Siaton NO
Cotcot River-Compostela, Cebu
Danao River-Danao City,
11
12
13
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
A
B
A
C
A
C
A
A
A
B
A
C
A
B
C
A
22
23
A
A
B
B
C
Whole stretch from its exit point to Cogtong Bay going upstream
Malaunay Spillway, Valencia, Negros Oriental and upstream
Downstream of Malaunay Spillway
Whole river system
Whole stretch from its exit point to South Bais bay going upstream
26
A
C
27
Whole stretch from its exit point to Mindanao Sea at Poblacion, Siaton
going upstream
San Isidro, Sta. Catalina and upstream
Downstream of San Isidro to its exit at Caranoche, Sta. Catalina
Whole river system
Upstream of San Jose Tanjay
San Jose, Tanjay and downtream towards Taon Strait
14
24
25
28
29
A
B
C
A
B
SC
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SC
SB
SC
SA
SB
Whole stretch from its exit point to Mindanao Sea at Bal-os, Basay going
upstream
Whole bay area with boundaries to be delineated
Whole bay area
Whole bay area
Whole bay area covering barangays Tayud, Poblacion, and Catarman,
Liloan, Cebu
Whole bay area
Coastal water within the jurisdiction of Dumaguete City
Coastal water within the jurisdiction of Danao City
Whole of the channel
Whole channel
Within the Olango Bird Sanctuary
Outside the Olango Bird Sanctuary
Note that some rivers and bays are classified differently in its upstream, midstream,
and downstream sections. The figure below shows the breakdown of classified water bodies
in Region 7 according to beneficial use.
1 Class AA (Cebu);
25 Class A (5 in Bohol, 9 in Cebu, and 8 in Negros Oriental);
15 Class B (3 in Bohol, 6 in Cebu, and 6 in Negros Oriental);
10 Class C (3 in Bohol, 4 in Cebu, and 3 in Negros Oriental); and
1 Class D (Cebu).
For coastal and marine waters, one bay is classified as Class SA, seven bays as
Class SB, and three bays as Class SC.
Guadalupe River in Guadalupe, Cebu City; Luyang River in Carmen, Cebu; Guindarohan
River in Minglanilla, Cebu; Hilutungan Channel (East Coast Mactan) in Mactan Island;
Maribojoc Bay (San Jose Drainage) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Coastal waters of
Balamban and Todelo City, a part of Taon Strait, in Balamban, Cebu and Toledo City.
These water bodies are officially classified as follows:
Table 2. Water Bodies Monitored in 2012
Name of River
Butuanon River
Sapangdaku
River
Guadalupe
River
Location
Mandaue City
Luyang River
Carmen, Cebu
Guidarohan
River
Minglanilla,
Cebu
Mactan Island,
Lapu-Lapu City
Tagbilaran City,
Bohol
Hilutungan
Channel
Maribojoc Bay
Coastal Waters of
Balamban
&
Toledo City
Toledo City
Guadalupe,
Cebu City
Balamban and
Toledo City
Official Classification
Class D
Upstream of Cantabaco = Class A
Downstream of Cantabaco = Class C
Upstream of Sandayong Bridge = Class B
Downstream of Sandayong Bridge = Class C
Segment within Cantipay, Carmen and upstream = Class A
Segment w/in Cogon, Carmen and below = Class C
Upstream of Cantao-an, Naga = Class A
Cantao-an, Naga and downstream = Class C
Whole channel = Class SB
Whole bay area = Class SB
Whole Taon Strait = Protected Seascape, Class SA
These water bodies are valuable assets providing pastoral beauty, wildlife habitat
and recreational opportunities to the region. Over the years, water quality in these water
bodies has generally improved substantially with more effective treatment technologies,
better land management practices, and increasingly more stringent water quality regulations.
Nevertheless, there is opportunity for additional improvement.
Butuanon River and Guadalupe River had been monitored since these are inside the
heavily industrialized and densely populated Metro Cebu area. These have extremely high
pollution levels in terms of high BOD5 concentrations, low oxygen levels, and high coliform
cell counts. Monitoring of Butuanon and Guadalupe Rivers were continued to improve the
water quality due to public complaints being biologically dead situated proximate within the
urban center of Mandaue City and Metro Cebu.
Rivers in remote rural areas also show significant pollution levels. Both Sapangdaku
River in Toledo and Luyang River in Carmen are contaminated with fecal coliforms.
Guindarohan River was monitored in 2012 for the purpose of reclassification because of the
current sand and gravel quarrying within the river system.
Aside from the five (5) rivers, for the Beach Watch program, there is monthly
monitoring of Hilutungan Channel specifically in the area of selected Mactan Island Resorts
and Maribojoc Bay specifically near San Jose Drainage area in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. The
Coastal Waters of Balamban, Cebu and Toledo City, which is part of the Taon Strait, was
monitored in 2011 for the purpose of classification/reclassification.
The table below shows the percentage of samples meeting the water quality criteria
for the water bodies monitored by EMB 7 for the year 2012.
A. Inland Waters
1. Butuanon River
a. Description and uses of water body
Butuanon River is a 23-kilometer water body which originates in the mountain
area around Metro Cebu and eventually discharges into Mactan Channel. Approximately
10-kilometer length of the river is crossing Metro Cebu area, most significantly the
heavily industrialized and densely populated areas of Mandaue City. While the water of
Butuanon River in the upstream area still can be used for drinking and for washing
purposes, the middle and downstream portions of the river only is used for industrial
purposes, and is receiving discharges from different sources of pollution.
Table 4. Butuanon River Water Quality Physical and Chemical Characteristics (Class D)
Parameter
Stn
No.
Location
Cambogaong Bridge
6.72
8.19
7.38
Butuanon
Bridge
6.42
7.47
6.96
3a
Tingub
Bridge
7.33
7.89
Greenhills
Outfall
7.38
Pilit Treasure
Island
pH
min
max
DO
ave
std
6.09.0
min
max
ave
std
min
BOD5
max
ave
93.2
223
7
0.2
42
6.09.0
0.3
44
270
7.71
6.09.0
2.1
7.97
7.74
6.09.0
2.2
7.47
8.22
7.74
6.09.0
3.4
7.38
8.2
7.84
6.09.0
Canduman
Bridge
7.56
8.16
7.78
6.09.0
Bacayan
Bridge
7.53
8.16
7.71
6.09.0
Sta. Lucia
Bridge
7.75
8.25
7.97
Binaliw II
7.49
8.38
10
Candurung
Pulangbato
7.78
11
Kalubihan,
Talamban
8.07
Stn
No.
Location
std
min
max
TSS
ave
79.5
6
15
25
324
75.6
3
15
18
82
29.9
5
59
16.5
5
15
262
28.7
3
64
13.4
8
15
11
51
20.0
3
43
9.3
15
15
89
24.2
7
2.9
105
11.5
9
15
12
76
25.6
6
3.79
51
6.34
15
143
26.8
3.5
16
5.54
15
17
119
38.4
6
6.09.0
5.38
2.26
15
57
22.8
5
8.00
6.09.0
5.34
2.46
15
68
19.2
4
8.22
7.98
6.09.0
5.46
1.74
15
56
26.2
8.16
8.11
6.09.0
5.59
13
4.27
15
30
9.32
Cadmium
ave
std
< 0.2
Camboga-ong
Bridge
Butuanon Bridge
3a
Tingub Bridge
Greenhills Outfall
Pilit Treasure
Island
< 0.2
< 0.2
Canduman Bridge
Bacayan Bridge
Binaliw II
10
Candurung
Pulangbato
< 0.2
11
Kalubihan,
Talamban
< 0.2
< 0.2
< 0.2
< 0.2
< 0.2
< 0.2
< 0.2
< 0.2
Lead
ave
std
0.10
0.098
0.077
0.095
0.097
0.093
0.095
0.144
0.091
0.108
0.11
min
9.20E+0
7
3.50E+0
8
5.40E+0
6
2.20E+0
7
5.40E+0
5
1.60E+0
6
5.80E+0
4
1.60E+0
6
1.70E+0
5
2.40E+0
5
5.40E+0
5
1.60E+0
6
Parameter
Total Coliform
max
geomean
1.60E+
08
3.50E+
08
1.60E+
07
2.40E+
07
1.60E+
06
5.40E+
07
5.40E+
06
1>
16E+6
5.40E+
05
3.50E+
05
7.00E+
05
1.60E+
06
std
min
1213260
07
5000
3.50E+07
3.50E+08
5000
4.90E+07
9295160
5000
1.70E+06
2297825
1
5000
2.30E+06
929516
5000
3.30E+04
9295160
5000
2.40E+05
559642.7
5000
2.30E+04
1600000
5000
2.40E+05
302985.1
5000
1.70E+05
289827.5
5000
1.70E+05
614817
5000
2.20E+05
1.60E+06
5000
1.60E+06
Fecal Coliform
max
geomean
1.60E+0
8
3.50E+0
8
3.50E+0
6
4.90E+0
6
3.50E+0
5
2.40E+0
7
1.40E+0
6
1.60E+0
7
5.40E+0
5
2.40E+0
5
4.90E+0
5
1.60E+0
6
7483314
8
1309580
09
std
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
Not more
than 60 mg/L
increase
std
-
2439262
3357082
107470.9
2400000
179443.6
1959592
302985.1
201990.1
328329.1
1573358
The following data plots show the parameters DO and BOD 5 for the year 2012. In
order to provide some orientation for the assessment of the data, the values for 100%
DO saturation (typically for unpolluted water bodies), as well as the Class D
requirements for DO (40% DO saturation) and BOD (15mg/L BOD5) are also presented
in the graph.
.
Figure 6. Average Monthly BOD of Butuanon River
The BOD5 parameter represents the easily biodegradable portion of the water
pollution. Biochemical oxygen demand or B.O.D. is the amount of dissolved oxygen
needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of water to break down organic
material present in a given water sample at certain temperature over a specific time
period. Only 62% of the data met the water quality criteria for Class D in terms of BOD,
which is 15 mg/L. Likewise, only 42% of the data collected met the criteria for Class D in
terms of DO, which is 3 mg/L. Based on Figure 6, BOD5 result peaked in the month of
May with 49.27 mg/L BOD5, which is three (3) times higher than the Class D criteria.
For the year 2012, the average BOD5 concentration for the Butuanon River is
30.8 mg/L which is 2 times higher than the standard. Comparing this value for the past 3
years, the average BOD5 is much lower than 2011, 2010 and 2009 which were 31.2,
201.0 mg/L, 201 mg/L, and 51.8 mg/L, respectively. The significant drop indicates that
there is great improvement in the water quality of the river.
For the year 2012, the DO, as a correlating parameter of the BOD 5, as well did
not reach levels acceptable to DENR Class D water quality standards of 3.0 mg/L for DO
for the months of April, June and November. Only for the months of February, May, July,
and September were the DO concentrations above the standard 3 mg/L. The lowest
reading was recorded in June and November at 2.55 mg/L.
Pollution Sources and Load Assessments
The following pictures were the middle and downstream portion of the Butuanon
River. Different sources are contributing pollution in the river.
The picture confirms the high pollution during the year. BOD 5 values fluctuating
around 1.0 mg/L and maximum finding of 490 mg/L indicate clearly that the big portion of
pollution is from industrial and domestic effluents. The decrease in the average BOD5
indicates that efforts to improving the water quality of the Butuanon River, such as Adopt
a River/Estero Program, monitoring efforts of EMB, and other similar activities by other
organizations, had effects on the river. However, the EMB 7 still have to enhance their
efforts in monitoring the locators along the river to further reduce BOD 5 concentration of
the river to pass the standard, since it is only those upstream stations that passes the
BOD5 standard of 15 mg/L.
.
Figure 8. BOD5 Concentration in Butuanon River per Station
2. Guadalupe River
a. Description and uses of water body
Guadalupe River is a 12-kilometer water body which originates in the mountain
area of Cebu City in Brgy. Sapangdaku and eventually discharges into Mactan Channel.
Approximately 8-kilometer length of the river is crossing Cebu City urban area, most
significantly the heavily densely populated areas of Cebu City. While the water of
Guadalupe River in the upstream area still can be used for drinking, bathing and for
washing purposes, the middle and downstream portions of the river is used as drainage
canal.
b. Water Quality Monitoring Results and Assessments
Water Quality
Guadalupe River has been a priority water body for many years. EMB 7 is
conducting quarterly water quality monitoring of Guadalupe River at four (4) sampling
stations. The four (4) sampling stations include the following: (1) Topaz Bridge, (2)
Sanciangko Bridge, (3) B. Rodriguez Bridge, and (4) Sandayong Bridge. Below are
pictures of the sampling stations. The parameters monitored are Dissolved Oxygen
(DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), pH, and
Temperature. Results of the water quality monitoring are shown in Table 5.
Station # 1 - Topaz Bridge
Table 5. Guadalupe River Water Quality Physical and Chemical Characteristics (Class C)
Stn
No.
Parameter
Location
min
pH
max
ave
std
min
DO
max
ave
std
min
BOD
max
ave
std
min
max
TSS
ave
Tupaz
Bridge
7.268
7.76
7.61
6.5
8.5
Sanciangko
Bridge
6.764
7.78
7.47
6.5
8.5
38
108
79
10
12
37
25.5
B.
Rodriguez
Bridge
7.313
7.82
7.66
6.5
8.5
0.5
35
88
59.25
10
13
34
24
Sandayong
Bridge
7.2
7.77
7.56
6.5
8.5
42
18
10
243
65.25
36
106
70.75
10
25
50
38
The following data plot shows the parameters BOD 5 and DO for the year 2011. In
order to provide some orientation for the assessment of the data, the values for 100%
DO saturation (typically for unpolluted water bodies), as well as the Class C
requirements for DO (60% DO saturation) and BOD (10 mg/L BOD5) are also presented
in the graph.
As for the BOD5 parameter, all the recorded data from first to the fourth quarter
2011 are higher than the criteria for Class C of 10 mg/L. Data for 2nd and 3rd quarters
show high BOD5 values of 85 and 68 mg/L, respectively.
For 2011, the average BOD5 concentration for the Guadalupe River is 45. 3 mg/L.
For the year 2012, the average BOD concentration is at 57 mg/L. There is a significant
increase as compared to 2011s average BOD concentration.
The DO, as a correlating parameter of the BOD 5, did not reach level acceptable
to DENR Class C water quality standards of 5.0 mg/L for DO. Results ranged from 0 to 5
std
Not more
than
30mg/L
increase
Not more
than
30mg/L
increase
Not more
than
30mg/L
increase
Not more
than
30mg/L
increase
The average DO and BOD5 of Guadalupe River for 2012 is 0.81 mg/L and 56.7
mg/L, respectively. The results this year is less than the results last year for DO. Further,
a significant increase can be observed for BOD5 with last years result at 55.3 mg/L. This
indicates that the quality of river has degraded which requires mitigating plans to
rehabilitate the quality of the river.
Pollution Sources and Load Assessments
The Guadalupe River is contaminated with domestic wastewater since the area is
densely populated and households lack adequate septic tanks and there is no
centralized wastewater treatment facilities for such domestic wastes. The two identified
main reasons for the deterioration of the river water quality are the abundant discharge
of household wastewater and the inadequate disposal practices for solid waste. A further
growing population leads to the development of new residential areas situated along
riverbanks of Guadalupe River. Commercial or industrial pollution sources are not
considered as significant along Guadalupe River.
3. Luyang River
a. Description and uses of water body
Luyang River is a 20-kilometer water body which originates in the mountain area
in Carmen, Province of Cebu and eventually discharges into the eastern coastline of
Cebu Island. The river encompasses a scarcely populated provincial area. The water of
Luyang River is used for drinking (particularly the upstream) and for washing purposes.
In the downstream portion the river is also receiving wastewater of a chemical industry.
Below are pictures of the Luyang River Watershed and the four (5) sampling stations
along the Luyang River. From Cantipay, Carmen and upstream of the Luyang River is
classified as Class A while from Cogon, Carmen to downstream is classified as Class C.
Luyang River
Station # 1
Station # 2
Luyang Bridge
Station # 3
Station # 4
Obayong Bridge
Cantumog Spillway
Parameter
Location
min
pH
max
ave
std
min
DO
max
ave
std
min
BOD
max
ave
std
min
max
TSS
ave
std
Not more
than
30mg/L
increase
Not more
than
30mg/L
increase
Not more
than
30mg/L
increase
Luyang
Bridge
7.8
1
7.96
7.90
6.5
8.5
Back of
Shemberg
Biotech
7.8
9
8.02
7.95
6.5
8.5
5.33
2.0
10
34
18.6
7
Obayong
Bridge
7.8
9
8.04
7.96
6.5
8.5
6.00
3.67
10
63
28.0
Cantumog
Spillway
7.7
9
7.95
7.86
6.67
3.0
94
34.0
50
Cantipay
7.8
3
8.03
7.92
6.0
3.33
71
27.6
7
50
6.5
8.5
6.5
8.5
5.33
3.0
10
17
12.0
.
Figure 14. DO and BOD5 in Luyang River (Cogon, Carmen and downstream)
.
In terms of BOD5 and DO concentrations, there is generally no significant
pollution levels observed. The BOD5 and DO concentrations for all the stations from the
1st quarter until the 3rd quarter complied with the standards for Class A waters.
Compared to 2011s monitoring, there has been improvement in the quality of the
Luyang River.
The total and fecal coliform was monitored for the month of September and
February however, results cannot be compared with the standards since these values
refer to the geometric mean of the most probable number of coliform organism during a
3-month period.
Table 7. Luyang River Water Quality Bacteriological Characteristics (Class C)
Stn.
No.
1
2
3
4
5
Parameter
Location
Luyang Bridge
Back of Shemberg
Biotech
Obayong Bridge
Cantumog Spillway
Cantipay
min
3.3E+04
Total Coliform
max
ave
2.2E+05
126500
std
5,000
min
7.8E+03
Fecal Coliform
max
ave
2.2E+05
113900
5.4E+04
9.2E+05
487000
5,000
230
2.8E+05
140115
3.3E+04
7.0E+03
7.0E+03
3.5E+05
2.2E+05
3.5E+05
191500
113500
119000
5,000
1,000
1,000
1.3E+04
2.3E+03
4.9E+03
7.9E+04
6.3E+04
2.4E+04
46000
32650
14450
100
100
.
Pollution Sources and Load Assessments
The observed contamination in terms of the total and fecal coliform in the
upstream portion of Luyang River for months of February and September has to be
noted to be alarming particularly when considering the rivers rather rural location.
Pollution sources in the upstream are poultries, piggeries, residents, and small scale
farming (e.g. goat and carabao) present in the area. Most people residing in the area
lives in houses made of wood or nipa and not concrete. It is possible that the
community in the upstream portion do not have enough sanitation facilities does
contaminating the river.
Public Health and Ecosystem Concerns
The water of Luyang River poses health risk to residents who are using the water
directly for drinking without prior treatment. For residents directly exposed to the river
std
-
water, health risks are coming from the coliforms (as summarized by the coliform cell
counts). If ever the water body would be used as water supply for Metro Cebu in large
scale, further measures in order to improve the quality and protect it from further
contamination have to be applied.
4. Sapangdaku River
a. Description and uses of water body
Sapangdaku River watershed is located in the west central side of Cebu Island. It
covers the political jurisdiction of Barangays Daan Lungsod, Dumlog, Sangi, Ilihan,
Canlumampao and Magdugo of the City of Toledo, Cebu. Sapangdaku River is a rather
extensive water body which originates in the mountain area around Toledo and
eventually discharges into the western coastline of Cebu Island. It stretches to about 9
kilometers starting from its mouth in Brgy. Daan Lungsod to its upstream point at Brgy.
Magdugo. It mostly encompasses a scarcely populated provincial area. It has tributary
rivers that pass the Atlas Copper Mining Area mining site like the Hinulawan River and
Ilag River. However, due to the nearby location of the Atlas Copper Mining Area, the
water body is affected by both industrial and domestic discharges. It is classified as
Class A in the upstream of Cantabaco and Class C downstream of Cantabaco.
Below is a picture of the Sapangdaku River System and the four (4) sampling
stations.
Sapangdaku
River System
Toledo City,
Cebu
4
5
Table 8. Sapangdaku River Water Quality Physical and Chemical Characteristics (Class C)
Stn
No.
Parameter
Location
min
pH
max
ave
Sangi/
Dumlog
Bridge
7.62
8.22
Magdugo
8.25
Pandong
Bato/Ilag
Buswang
Exit Sigpit
Dam
DO
std
min
max
ave
std
min
BOD
max
ave
std
min
max
TSS
ave
8.0
6.58.5
5.75
1.25
10
22
136
59
8.8
8.4
6.58.5
6.25
2.25
10
21
93
52.2
5
8.17
8.28
8.2
5
6.58.5
5.25
1.75
10
27
76
44.7
5
8.14
8.35
8.2
8
6.58.5
6.25
1.5
10
31
86
49.2
5
std
Not more
than 30%
increase
Not more
than 30%
increase
Not more
than 30%
increase
Not more
than 30%
increase
.
Figure 21. DO and BOD5 in Sapangdaku River
5. Guindarohan River
a. Description and uses of water body
The Guindarohan River watershed is located in the in Minglanilla, Cebu. It is a
rather extensive water body which originates in the mountain area around Naga and
Minglanilla and eventually discharges into the eastern coastline of Cebu Island. It
stretches from its mouth in Brgy. Lower Minglanilla to its upstream point at Brgy. Cantaoan, Naga. It mostly encompasses a scarcely populated provincial area in the upstream
and populated rural area in the downstream portion. It has tributary rivers, the Matun-og
River and Naupa River located in the upstream portion of Guindarohan River. However,
due to the sand and gravel quarrying in the river system, the water body is affected by
both industrial and domestic discharges. It is classified as Class A in the upstream of
Cantao-an, Naga (Station 3 to 7) and Class C downstream of Cantao-an, Naga (Station
1 to 2).
Table 9. Guindarohan River Water Quality Physical and Chemical Characteristics (Class A and C)
Stn
No.
1
Parameter
Location
pH
min
Abuno Bridge
7.18
max
8.08
ave
7.92
std
6.58.5
min
4
DO
max
ave
6
5.18
std
5
min
1
BOD
max
ave
4
2.64
std
10
min
32
max
558
TSS
ave
183.8
std
Not more
than 30%
Tabo-an
6.72
7.94
7.62
6.58.5
200 m
downstream
of JLR outfall
6.91
8.37
7.76
6.58.5
Confluence
6.81
8.40
7.92
Matun-og
River
6.85
8.54
8.03
Cabo-an
6.84
8.44
7.84
Naupa River
6.70
8.52
7.99
6.58.5
6.58.5
6.58.5
6.58.5
increase
Not more
than 30%
increase
5.4
1.8
10
147
3120
1109.8
5.3
2.0
99
415
251.3
50
5.55
2.0
134
1070
350.27
50
5.73
1.73
0.9
122
34.17
50
5.64
1.91
79
1704
415.64
50
5.36
1.55
23
12
50
.
Figure 22. DO and BOD5 in Guindarohan River (Downstream of Cantao-an, Naga)
.
Figure 23. DO and BOD5 in Guindarohan River (Upstream of Cantao-an, Naga)
B. Ground Water
This year, no sampling of ground water was conducted for the Tap Watch
Program.
C. Coastal Waters
1. Mactan Island
a. Description and uses of water body
The eastern coastline of Mactan Island is the famous location of approximately
30 beach resorts, both local and international class. Therefore, the water body is used
for tourism purposes mainly, i.e. SCUBA diving, snorkeling, swimming, bathing, etc. In
this way, the desirable water quality in the area according to DAO 34 would be Class SB.
Monitoring of Mactan Island Beach Resorts is part of the Beach Ecowatch Program of
EMB 7. Below is a picture of the eastern coastline of Mactan Island.
Table 11. Mactan Island Beach Resorts Water QualityBacteriological Characteristics (Class SB)
Parameter
Stn
No.
Location
min
61
PARKER BEACH
140
PALMERA BEACH
210
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
PALM BEACH
Tonggo Beach
HADSAN COVE RESORT
KONTIKI
WHITE SAND RESORT
MARIBAGO BLUE WATER
TAMBULI BEACH RESORT
CEBU BEACH CLUB
PORTOFINO
23
240
23
23
49
31
31
31
9.3
Total Coliform
ave
max
(geomean
)
16,000
>16
E+05
>16
E+05
24,000
24,000
16,000
9,200
2,400
2,400
9,200
920
9,200
Fecal Coliform
std
min
max
ave (geomean)
std
1331
1000
40
16,000
916
200
1772
1000
92
1532
200
2349
1000
110
2527
200
2293
2368
174
334
460
354
179
101
218
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
2
6.8
1557
1367
97
170
249
110
82
48
114
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
>16
E+05
>16
E+05
24,000
9,200
920
1,100
1,300
2,400
3,500
920
9,200
.
Figure 24. Total and Fecal Coliform at Mactan Island Resorts
From the plot, it is shown that it was on during the months of April, July and
November wherein the total coliform was above the standard for Class SB which is 1,000
MPN/100 mL. Compared to last years monitoring, it was only in December 2011 that the
total coliform result was above the standards. Based on Figure 27, the lowest total
coliform count was recorded in October with a value of 83 MPN/100 mL. In 2011, the
lowest was 63 MPN/100 mL which was obtained in September.
On the other hand, for fecal coliform cell count, it is also for the months of
January, April, May, June, July, November and December wherein the results exceeded
the fecal coliform standard of 200 MPN/100 mL for Class SB. The highest recorded
result was for the month of July with a result of 41467 MPN/100 mL while the lowest
fecal coliform was recorded on October at 44 MPN/100 mL.
In 2011, the highest recorded result was on December and the lowest recorded
result was in September.
The total and fecal coliform cell counts for this year can be considered alarming
as international tourists surely would not like to hear that the water they are going to
swim at is contaminated with fecal coliform and not complying to the national standards.
The coliform contamination in the area needs to be addressed since the current quality
of the beach is still not complying with the standards in certain months.
The tables below show the total coliform and fecal coliform of each sampling
station per month. This tells us which sampling point has the higher total and fecal
coliform cell counts.
Table 12. Total Coliform (MPN/100mL) in Each Sampling Station per Month
9-Jul
10Sep
2400
3500
>1600E+03
24000
2400
>1600E+03
9200
5400
9200
460
16000
16000
24-Jan
20-Feb
12-Mar
23-Apr
14-May
14-Jun
540
16000
1400
1700
490
PARKER BEACH
1600
350
2400
3500
700
PALMERA BEACH
2200
540
2400
5400
PALM BEACH
1700
350
1700
16000
Tonggo Beach
1600
920
24000
3500
17Oct
14Nov
5-Dec
1100
61
2400
1700
240
140
540
2400
240
210
700
24000
23
2400
940
24000
240
1700
9200
240
350
KONTIKI
WHITE SAND RESORT
MARIBAGO BLUE WATER
TAMBULI BEACH RESORT
CEBU BEACH CLUB
PORTOFINO
33
33
920
110
33
1600
280
23
1400
9200
23
23
1700
310
49
310
240
240
540
540
170
1600
130
79
1600
920
350
2400
350
2400
170
49
540
2400
31
540
2400
110
1700
540
33
460
2400
49
70
70
240
170
79
350
1600
31
49
9200
920
15
49
920
49
33
920
49
9.3
49
540
23
9.3
240
240
350
9200
70
3500
17
350
920
Table 13. Fecal Coliform (MPN/100mL) in Each Sampling Station per Month
24-Jan
20-Feb
12-Mar
23-Apr
14-May
14-Jun
9-Jul
10Sep
17Oct
14Nov
5-Dec
130
16000
1400
700
490
1300
3500
1100
40
2400
790
PARKER BEACH
1600
350
2400
3500
330
1600000
240
92
540
2400
PALMERA BEACH
1100
110
2400
5400
24000
2400
1600000
240
140
700
7900
PALM BEACH
490
350
1700
16000
9200
3500
9200
23
350
490
24000
Tonggo Beach
1600
220
24000
1700
230
16000
16000
240
490
9200
340
240
23
23
350
49
33
920
46
23
790
130
KONTIKI
1100
23
23
350
240
170
920
79
79
540
130
230
310
23
240
790
240
1300
170
49
350
790
170
23
23
130
2400
33
790
110
23
68
230
49
70
23
79
33
79
350
70
23
33
3500
920
9.3
23
540
46
33
920
23
9.3
49
PORTOFINO
23
6.8
79
240
33
9200
70
790
6.8
240
540
Based on the tables above, it can be seen that the higher results of total and
fecal coliform cell counts where the samples collected from Tonggo Beach, Palmera
Beach, Palm Beach,for the month of July, which are over the standards for Class SB.
The highest total coliform result was 1.6 E+06 MPN/100 mL from the Parker and
Palmera Beaches, The highest fecal coliform result was >1.6 E+06 MPN/100 mL from
the Parker and Palmera Beaches as well.
Although the values of the monitoring results this year were not as high as last
year, these values are still very alarming since the highest recorded data are much
higher than the standards, specifically for the Parker and Palmera Beach areas.
.
Figure 25. Total and Fecal Coliform at each Mactan Island Resort
The geometric mean for total Coliform shows that Cebu Marine Resort, Parker
Beach, Palmera Beach, Palm Beach and Tonggo Beach sampling stations did not pass
the water quality criteria for Class SB. In terms of violating the fecal coliform standard for
Class SB of 200 MPN/100 mL for the whole year 2012, only Parker Beach, Palmera
Beach, Palm Beach and Tonggo Beach sampling stations failed (geometric mean data).
This may be attributed to its location that forms a bay wherein considerable stagnant
water develops during low tide and most of these are public beaches.
Pollution Sources and Load Assessments
The contamination with fecal coliforms comes from run-offs from septic tanks and
other domestic sources. In the case of Mactan Island, the resorts and hotels have to be
accountable for this since these are the ones discharging large amounts of effluents.
However, there are also local residents living in the area which may have contributed to
the contamination especially the public beaches such as the Parker, Palmera and Palm
Beaches.
The coastline of Tagbilaran City is the Maribojoc Bay. The water body is used for
tourism purposes like swimming, bathing, etc, as well as transportation and fishing. In
this way, the desirable water quality in the area according to DAO 34 would be Class SB.
Monitoring of Maribojoc Bay is part of the Beach Ecowatch Program of EMB7. Monitoring
in this area was done because of the existing drainage canal leading to the bay. Below is
a picture of the coastline of Tagbilaran City.
Stn
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Table 14. Maribojoc Bay (San Jose Drainage) Water QualityBacteriological Characteristics (Class SB)
Location
Parameter
Total Coliform
Fecal Coliform
min
max
ave
std
min
max
ave
(geomean)
(geomean)
FRONTING BLUEWATER
350
240,000
5067 1000
310
240,000
2,962
BOHOL TROPICS
BOHOL TROPICS NEAR
CONVENTION CENTER
DRAINAGE OUTFALL
DRAINAGE OUTFALL
CONFLUENCE
MR RESTAURANT
CAINGGET PUBLIC
BEACH
TOTOLAN, DAUIS NEAR
POLICE STATION
TAGBILARAN FISH PORT
NEAR TAGBILARAN
PORT
NEAR TAMBLOT
PENSION
NEAR POLICE STATION,
SONGCULAN
TAGBILARAN CITY FISH
PORT
ADJACENT T O
TAGBILARAN PIER
PIER AREA ADJACENT
TO MR SEAFOODS
200
79
54,000
1,741
1000
79
7,000
466
200
24,000
24,000
240,000,000
240,000,000
5,506,226
1,295,530
1000
1000
2,400
1,600
160,000,000
240,000,000
3,949,144
383,132
200
200
5,400
350
3,500,000
17,000
279,759
1,476
1000
1000
5,400
23
3,500,000
4,900
170,654
340
200
200
130
240
177
1000
79
3,500
405
200
24,000
79,000
43,543
1000
49,000
28,862
200
1,300
3,500
2,133
1000
17,00
0
1,300
3,500
2,133
200
3,500
16,000
7,483
1000
3,500
39,000
11,683
200
5,400
3,600
1000
1,300
5,400
2650
200
1,600
54,000
9,295
1000
920
24,000
4700
200
1,700
24,000
6,387
1000
790
13,000
3205
200
2,800
3,500
3130
1000
2,800
3,500
3130
200
2,400
std
The following data plot shows the total coliform and fecal coliform cell counts
along the Maribojoc Bay (Tagbilaran City coastline) for the year 2010.
Figure 26. Total and Fecal Coliform at Maribojoc Bay (San Jose Drainage)
From the plot, it is shown that all the months or sampling the total and fecal
coliform cell counts were above the standard for Class SB which is 1,000 MPN/100 mL
and 200 MPN/100 mL. Based on the graph, all results are very much higher compared
to the standards, the highest geometric mean result being obtained in the month of April
with a value of 494,857 MPN/100 mL total coliform and 279,096 MPN/100 mL fecal
coliform. The lowest geometric mean result obtained was 3,903 MPN/100 mL total
coliform and 3,492 MPN/100 mL fecal coliform in August.
Pollution Sources and Load Assessments
The contamination with fecal coliforms comes from run-offs from septic tanks and
other domestic sources. In the case of Maribojoc Bay, the community were the drainage
canal came from have to be accountable for this since these are the ones discharging
wastewater into the canal. However, there are also local residents living in the area
which may have contributed to the contamination.
Public Health and Ecosystem Concerns
The total and fecal coliform cell counts results can be considered alarming as
tourists and the community surely would not like to hear that the water they are going to
swim at and go fishing is contaminated with coliforms and not complying to the national
standards. The coliform contamination in the area needs to be addressed since the
situation had worsened.
Monitoring of the five (5) priority sectors identified in CY 2005 under the
Industrial Ecowatch program are still being conducted. These includes five (5)
chicken dressing plants, four (4) beverage plants, five (5) carrageenan plants, five (5)
sugar mills, one (1) piggery farm, and one (1) yeast plant. Environmental
performance rating of these 21 industries will be endorsed to EMB-Central Office for
public disclosure.
Performance indicators and performance rating are based on the following
broad categories:
Performance Indicator
Broad Category
Color Code
Excellent
GOLD
Outstanding
SILVER
Very Good
GREEN
Good
BLUE
Bad
RED
No effort to comply
Very Bad
BLACK
cleanup materials to the barangay as their initial concrete support. Nine (9)
barangays were the first recipients of this project.
4. Butuanon River Rehabilitation
The Butuanon River Watershed Management Board (BRWMB) is now reactivated
and had been conducting regular meetings. The Soil and Water Conservation
Foundation, Inc. had initially informed the board of the project they will have for
Butuanon River which is funded and supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation,
Atlanta. The project is entitled Butuanon River Watershed Development Project
which will be formally launched early 2011.
5. Adopt-an-Estero/ Waterbody Program
As of last quarter of 2012, there have been already thirty-two (32)
memoranda of agreement which have been signed for the Adopt-a-Estero/Waterbody
Program. Along with this, the following companies have been already started
implementing their strategic plans in rehabilitating their adopted water bodies.
Name of Company
1. Maritrans
Recycler,
Inc.
(Tabok)
2. Concrete
Solutions,
Inc.
(Canduman)
3. RRDS
Petrochemical
Industries, Inc. (Umapad)
4. Cenapro
Chemical
Corporation (Jagobiao)
5. Treasure Island Industrial
Corporation (Cabancalan)
6. Lami Food Products Corp.
(Tipolo)
7. Cebu
Holdings,
Inc.
(Hipodromo)
8. Greencoil
Industries,
Inc.
(Tabok)
9. Dedon Manufacturing, Inc.
(Canduman)
10. JLR
Construction
and
Aggregates, Inc. Tingub
11. Sunpride Foods, Inc.
12. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
(Umapad - Canduman)
13. Profood International Corp.
(Maguikay)
14. Socor
Construction
Inc.
(Alang-alang,
Ibabao,
Paknaan
15. Mabuhay Filcement, Inc.
16. Mabuhay Filcement, Inc.
17. Taiheiyo Cement Phils. Inc.
Adopted Waterbodies
Butuanon
Butuanon
Butuanon
Jagobiao Creek
Butuanon
Tipolo
Hipodromo
Butuanon
Butuanon
Butuanon
Butuanon
Butuanon
Butuanon
Butuanon
Sabang River
Lugot River
Luknay
18. JLR
Construction
and
Aggregates
19. Alta Cebu Garden Resort
20. Philippine Mining Services
Company
21. Philippine Mining Services
Company
22. Philippine Mining Services
Company
23. Philippine Mining Services
Company
24. Philippine Mining Services
Company
25. Monde Nissin Corporation
26. Cebu Energy Development
Corporation
27. San Miguel Brewery
28. Tsuneishi Heavy Industries,
Inc.
29. Cebu
Industrial
Park
Development, Inc.
30. Aquilini Renewable Energy
31. Atlas Fertilizer Corporation
32. Carmen Copper Corporation
Guindarohan River
Pilipog-Gabi river
Brgy. Consolacion, Dalaguete Coastal
Waters
Brgy. Poblacion, Alcoy Coastal Waters
Brgy. Pugalo, Alcoy Coastal waters and
Luyang spring
Brgy. Obong, Dalaguete Coastal and
Obong Spring
Brgy.
Mandaue
Toledo
Mandaue
Toledo
Buanoy, Balamban
Casuntingan Butuanon River
Sapangdaku, River
Cantabaco Bay
WASP, and Area Cooperation Arrangement and Public Information in the Three Pilot
Water Quality Management Areas.
E. Challenges
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES
ACTIVITY
LEVEL OF PRIORITY
1. Controlling Point Sources pollution thru High
the permitting system of the Clean Water Act
2. Toxic contamination thru permitting High
system and enforcement of RA 6969
3. Protection of Groundwater and monitoring Medium
4. Monitoring and data management
High
5. Butuanon River Rehabilitation
High
6. Establishment of a Water Quality High
Management Area
7.
Management,
Classification
and High
Reclassification of Water Bodies
8. Guadalupe River Rehabilitation
High
The EMB Region 7 personnel are task to monitor not only the identified water bodies
in the region but also attending to various industries and other establishments that operate in
the area to ensure compliance. At present, there are only nine (9) field inspectors and two
(2) water quality inspectors under the Pollution Control Division. The load entrusted to each
employee can be extremely daunting.
Aside from the limited personnel resources, EMB 7 personnel need training in
surveillance and monitoring, quality testing and analysis, and data analysis. Training could
help establish a more standardized system of monitoring that will produce credible data and
serve as basis for policy formulation. However, the major constraint is the budget allocated
by the government to the EMB is not even sufficient to sustain water quality management
activities.