Boracay waters still safe for swimming, says DENR

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BY BOY RYAN ZABAL
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February 18, 2018
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BORACAY – The waters in this popular island destination are safe for swimming and other recreational activities despite algae formation in some beaches, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6.

Water samples taken from the island’s beaches showed “acceptable” coliform levels, said DENR Region 6 director Jim O Sampulna.

“Coliforms are a broad class of bacteria found in the environment, including the feces of man and other warm-blooded animals. The presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water may indicate a possible presence of harmful, disease-causing organisms,” according to the Benton-Franklin Health District.

Sampulna said the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regularly monitors the water quality in Boracay beaches.

In 2017, the coliform level in the island dropped to 10.9 most probable number (mpn) per 100 milliliters (ml) from 124.9 mpn per 100 ml in 2014, the EMB said.

The safe level of coliform presence for swimming and other recreational activities is 1,000 mpn per 100 ml.

Sampulna urged resorts and hotels to discharge their waste properly by connecting to the prescribed sewerage lines in the island. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
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