Soap suds fill river in Taguig

At specific hours of the day, a river in Taguig can be seen filled with soap suds that attract passersby, according to a report by Katrina Son on "24 Oras."

The river in Barangay Wawa turns almost white due to the bubbles every morning and afternoon which sometimes reach the bridge due to their thickness and volume.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) explained that bubbles form as they operate their pumping station when it rains. This is to maintain the minimum level of water in the river.

The MMDA said no chemicals are mixed in the operation of the pumping station.

“Yung bula na 'yan ay dahil sa aming mabilis na pago-operate ng pumping station at the same time yung component kasi ng tubig na ‘yan ay may mga sabon, parang washing machine pag nagpaikot ka ng tubig, sa washing machine na may bula, may sabon, ganoon ang nangyayari,” Tromil Gardose, engineer at Taguig pumping station said.

The MMDA reminded the public that even if the river looks good, it is not safe to touch the suds.

“Madumi yung tubig na pinaggagalingan ng bula, in my experience, nadikit ako diyan. Magkakaroon ka ng rashes sa balat, makati,” he added.

Authorities also advised the public not to throw their trash in the river.

Based on the studies, disposing of soap in the river is not advisable because apart from being poisonous to fish and other organisms, it may also cause an increase in algae in the water causing the oxygen level of the river to decrease which can kill the fishes.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News