The Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) has denied that the alleged contaminated water, which reportedly caused stomach-related illnesses among some residents in the city, came from its system.

COWD clarified that the water it supplies to most parts of the city is safe and tested negative for contamination.

The water service provider ran several tests following reports that some residents in the city experienced diarrhea and stomach pain, with some reportedly hospitalized.

COWD said that based on results, the water supply from the reservoir to the pipelines, including before-meter pipes, is clean and free from harmful contaminants.

COWD added that the possible contamination might have originated from the water tanks or internal water systems of houses and establishments.

“Wala ta kabalo nga naa’y nagbinuang or wala ta kabalo it’s because dugay na nato wala malimpyohi ang atoang mga tangke didto nag-kaproblema kay ang atoang tanke baya naga-stock baya ang tubig dinha mainit ulan gihapon naa ra ang tubig sa atong tangke, might be the source of contamination,” COWD General Manager, Engr. Edna Najeal, said.

COWD confirmed that contamination was detected in one mall’s water system last week, but results showed the problem originated from the establishment’s own water system, not from COWD’s supply.

Immediate solutions were recommended to restore water safety inside the premises.

“So when we do that we have this result sa before the meter and it turned out negative and then we also have the result didto sa inside sa premises. So katung inside sa premises naa gyud atong nakita nga nag-positive gyud siya,” Najeal added.

COWD is also waiting for the results of tests conducted on establishments and residences near the mall.

COWD has coordinated with the Department of Health (DOH) and the City Health Office (CHO) regarding the results of the water samples collected and tested.

“Naa’y magbinuang sa atong mga reservoirs usa na busa tight atong security sa atong mga reservoirs ato gyud naa gyud ta’y 24 hrs nga security guard sa area not only sa reservoirs but also sa mga sources nato,” Najeal said.

CHO has yet to issue a statement regarding the reported cases of stomach-related illnesses in the city, as of this writing. However, the City Information Office said the CHO is already investigating the matter.