Two public pools in Manila found violating health standards

The swimming pool may not just be a place for people to cool off from the summer heat – it could also be a breeding ground for bacteria.

 

Two public swimming pools in Manila failed to meet health standards as it contained high levels of bacteria, even one that can be found on human waste, according to Kara David's report Thursday on GMA News TV's News to Go.   

According to a microbial test, swimming pools at the Dapitan Sports Complex and Manila Army and Navy Club contained 6,000 bacterial colonies per milliliter (mL) of water. This failed health standards since the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines only permits no more than 200 bacteria count per mL. Worse, the pools also had samples of fecal coliform that can be found in human and animal wastes, the tests show.

 

While the sanitation code require no more than 1 coliform colony per 50 mL of water, the two pools analyzed had 4 colonies per 50 mL.

 

“Ang fecal coliform po ung 'yung makikita or contaminated siya ng human or animal excreta,” said Ethel Ramos, a medical technologist at Waterlab Water Testing Laboratory Inc.

 

Although coliform is not harmful by itself, the contamination with the fecal bacteria may also indicate that the pool contains others that cause water-borne diseases, an expert from the Department of Health (DOH) said.

 

 

“Pag ikaw nakainom po ng tubig na contaminated po ng fecal coliform, there is a possibility na makakuha tayo ng water-borne diseases,” said Engr. Roland Santiago of the DOH Environmental anad Occupation Health Service.

 

The local government of Manila refused to comment on the matter, saying they want to verify the laboratory results first.

 

According to the sanitation code, those convicted of violating health standards may face not more than six months imprisonment or a P1,000 penalty.

 

Experts said the sanitation office should check the chlorine level of swimming pools daily since the chemical controls the growth of disease-causing bacteria.

 

“'Yung chlorine, nakakatulong po 'yun sa pagpatay lalo na po dito sa fecal coliform kasi po sensitive po ang fecal coliform sa chlorine,” medical technologist Ramos said.

 

The water in the pool should also be replaced weekly or monthly, depending on the number of people swimming.

 

Sanitation officers should also analyze the pool's bacterial content every three months.

 

Swimmers should also do their part by showering before going to the pool, the Health Department said.

 

It added that one should not swim right after defecating and should not urinate in the pool. Those with diarrhea or menstruation should also refrain from swimming. — with Marc Jayson Cayabyab/RSJ, GMA News