Summary
There have been no confirmed health-related cases directly linked to the recent contamination of Moalboal’s major water source, despite complaints of dirty water since February 10, 2024. Two cases of diarrhea were reported, but these could not be directly attributed to the water contamination. The Moalboal Rural Health Unit advises residents to boil tap water before use. The Moalboal Water District temporarily closed the Pangi water source on February 21, 2024, to replace it with clean water from the Busay source.
No health-related cases linked to dirty water in Moalboal
THERE has been no confirmed health-related cases linked to the recent contamination of a major water source in Moalboal, which began producing dirty water on February 10, 2024, a medical doctor said.
Dr. Nicol Machacon of the Moalboal Rural Health Unit (RHU) told SunStar Cebu in a phone interview Wednesday, February 21, 2024, that two residents have complained of diarrhea, but these cases could not be directly attributed to the dirty water.
“There were two recorded diarrheal cases at the Moalboal Rural Health Unit, both cannot be directly attributed to the dirty water experienced by Moalboalanons since February 10,” he said.
Machacon said the diarrheal cases can also be foodborne and not necessarily waterborne.
He added that no skin allergies or lesions were documented at the Moalboal RHU since the problem with the water source happened.
Machacon reminded the residents, though, not to use the tap water without boiling it first.
He said the water should be boiled before it is used for drinking, cooking, brushing the teeth, and even taking a bath.
On February 20, the Moalboal Water District (MWD) released a notice of “temporary” closure of the Pangi water source.
The residents were advised to collect water before 4 p.m. of February 21, 2024.
“Ang MWD management nakadesisyon nga pawongon / i-off temporaryo ang Pangi source nga nagsupply sa atong tubig. Gi-awhag ang tanan nga magsawod og tubig sugod karon kay ugma, Pebrero 21, 2024, alas 4 sa hapon, himuon ang pagpawong,” said MWD.
(The MWD management has decided to temporarily turn off the Pangi source that supplies our water. Everyone is encouraged to collect water starting today because tomorrow, February 21, 2024, at 4 p.m., the source will be turned off.)
The Pangi source supplies few of the major barangays in Moalboal, namely, Poblacion East and West, Basdiot, Tuble, and Tomonoy, among others.
The temporary closure of the Pangi source was done to gradually stop the supply of submerged water and replace it with clean and clear water from Busay source, said the MWD. (CDF)
Link: The post “The Amazing Sardine Run of Moalboal, Cebu” first appeared on SunStar.com
- Moalboal Water Safety: While no health-related cases have been confirmed, residents are advised to boil water to avoid potential risks associated with contaminated water.
- Temporary Water Source Closure: The Pangi water source, a major supplier in Moalboal, was temporarily closed to address the contamination, with clean water now being supplied from the Busay source.
- Public Health Advisory: The Moalboal Rural Health Unit emphasizes the importance of boiling water for all household uses, including drinking, cooking, and bathing, to prevent any potential health risks.
- Waterborne vs. Foodborne Illnesses: The reported diarrhea cases could be due to foodborne sources rather than the water contamination, highlighting the need for proper hygiene practices.
- Moalboal Community Impact: The water contamination and subsequent shutdown have affected several barangays in Moalboal, raising concerns about access to safe and clean water.
