Comparative Analysis of Water Quality from two Water Refilling Stations in

Pigcawayan

Water is considered as the universal  solvent which suits perfectly for water to be used

for all  purposes. Its distinctive properties have made it an essential component of human life,

playing a crucial role in various processes. An individual needs 30 mL/kg body weight of

drinking water, which should meet the requirements of water  quality  based  on  physical,

microbiological, and chemical parameters  (Tombeng  RB,  Polii  B & Sinolungan  S, 2015 ).

A study on the Global water situation by UN-Water (2020–21) stated that approximately one-

quarter (26%) of the world's population is facing difficulties in accessing safe and clean

drinking water. And based on a recent study by the World Health Organization (2022), access

to safe drinking water and sanitation could significantly reduce waterborne diseases, which

currently claim the lives of approximately one million people annually.

These days, refilled drinking water is becoming a popular alternative for middle and

low-income communities due to the fact that it is three times cheaper than branded bottled

water. And drinking tap water is not always safe as it may contain harmful contaminants that

can cause health problems. The proliferation of drinking water refilling stations in urban

areas of developing countries, including the Philippines, is a direct result of the safety and

affordability factor (Sima LC,  Elimelech  M, Lang,  B, Albert  J,  Haji  S,  Khush  R,

2016). 

In the Philippines, water refilling stations can be a reliable supply of clean drinking

water. Clean water can satisfy aesthetic requirements standards that are simple for humans to

detect in terms of flavor, smell, and color. The quality of water may be better than that of
conventional water thanks to effective water purification techniques systems. Nonetheless,

even if proper handling procedures are observed, there is still a possibility of contamination.

As stated by Morton (2018), approximately 6,000 Filipino people die each year due to

illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water, such as diarrhea, which ranks as the second

leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines.

Water refilling stations in Pigcawayan are generally known to provide safe drinking

water, however, water refilling stations in the municipality are still susceptible to

contamination due to various factors. To evaluate whether the water is safe to drink, a water

quality examination is necessary. Even though water may be clear, it does not necessarily

mean that it is safe to drink. When considering drinking water quality, microbiological

contamination is the main concern in most cases since it is responsible for the majority of

illnesses like diarrhea and cholera.

From the above premises, the researchers will conduct a comparative analysis of

water quality from two water refilling stations in Pigcawayan. The researchers will collect

water samples from both water refilling stations and analyze them for various physical,

microbiological, and chemical parameters to assess the overall water quality. The researchers

will also identify any significant differences and similarities in terms of water quality. The

researchers will furthermore take into account other factors that can affect the quality of the

water. The information obtained from this study could be used by the owners of the water

refilling stations to identify areas where they can improve their water treatment process and

quality control measures, ensuring that they provide high-quality and safe drinking water to

their customers.