Water Quality Assessment on Hand Water Pumps in Barangay Alegre:

A Microbiological Analysis

Danica G. Pactoranan

Marianne M. Gerong

Madelyn T. Beringuel

Jerianlou C. Cabello

Dulag National High School

Practical Research II

SY. 2023-2024
 Chapter 1

Introduction

Background of the Study

In rural areas, the traditional way to access groundwater is by installing a hand water

pump or a hand-dug well with an operating depth typically ranging from 15 to 45 meters,

although depths of up to 100 meters are possible (Brikke, François, Bredero, et al., 2003).

The water hand water pump is a common instrument used by many Filipinos to obtain

underground water, which serves various purposes such as drinking, washing clothes,

cleaning food items like fruits, raw meats, and vegetables, and even bathing. However, water

contamination remains a significant issue that Filipinos experience in their daily lives,

particularly in rural areas where water is primarily sourced from hand water pumps, streams,

or springs without adequate treatment. In the Philippines, out of a population of 109 million

people, 57 million individuals (52% of the population) lack access to a reliable, safely

managed source of water, and 43 million people (39%) lack access to safely managed

household sanitation facilities (water. Org, 2022). In the countryside, specifically in Brgy.

Alegre, many residents rely on hand water pumps due to their reliability, simplicity,

affordability, and accessibility, reducing their dependence on external utilities, as of January

2024, there are a total of 34 hand water pumps in Brgy. Alegre has 30 private hand water

pumps and 4 public hand water pumps. However, there is a significant portion of the

population that may not be aware of the potential biological contaminants present in their

water. In this matter, some of these hand water pumps have not undergone thorough

examination to assess the microbiological organisms that may be present in the water, which

is crucial, especially when the water is used for drinking and food preparation.
 Hand water pumps are a simple and effective way to access drinking water in rural

areas around the world and it is one of the most efficient sources of water. The hand water

pump is a mechanical device that pumps water from underground through manual manpower

(industrial-engineering.com.2021). It is commonly seen and used in rural areas where it

provides a cost-free source of water that we mainly use for drinking water, sanitation, and

many more. It is a traditional way of withdrawing water from underground through a hand-

dug well. Its most important components are the piston, piston valve, handle, suction lift, and

water outlet (pumpsworld. net,2022). Hand water pumps work well depending on their

location and the depth of the hand-dug where the underground water will pump to the

surface. Its mechanism involves moving the handle in an up-and-down motion in which by

then, underground water will be hauled into the body of the hand water pump and out in the

spout.

The history of hand water pumps dates back to 200 BC. The great mathematician,

Archimedes, invented the first known hand water pump to remove seawater from a naval ship

(antler. nyc,2021). By the 1400s, hand water pumps were used in Europe during the Industrial

Revolution from 1760 to 1840 (aymcdonald,2023). However, the first successful hand water

pumps were invented by Thomas Savery in the year 1698 (mechanicalboost. com,2007).

A lot of literature has been published about hand water pumps, especially their uses

and benefits to households and communities. According to the World Health Organization

(2014), hand water pumps are proven to be safe as a water supply in households. Hand water

pumps are used not only in households but also in raising livestock, industrial are, and most

importantly irrigation (Abellada, Balcoba et al., 2019). In connection to this, according to

Bruni and Spuhler (2019), hand water pumps can be a great source of accessible water supply

in a community and can be a profitable source of water in a water shortage. According to the
Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Review (2021), hand water pumps can also

be helpful for farmers especially when the dry season falls on farming seasons. Furthermore,

according to the case study of Njalam’mano (2007) On “Current Status and Management of

Hand Pump Equipped Water Facilities in Blantyre Rural District, Malawi: Case Study of

Kapeni and Lundu Traditional Authorities", hand water pumps were the greatest help that the

country needs on the increase of accessible safe drinking water. On the other hand, according

to "A Study of Water Pump Efficiency for Household Water Demand at Lubuklinggau

(2017)", one of the weaknesses of water pumps is their maintenance. Whenever a hand water

pump is not properly maintained, it can cause corrosion, resulting in increased contaminants

in water.

Though a lot of literature has been presented, there has been a lack of research studies

that talk about the actual functionality and performance of hand water pumps. There is also a

lack of research paper that considers other factors on why not properly maintained hand water

pumps can increase water contamination. There is also a significant amount of research

papers regarding electric-operated hand-water pumps but a lack of research studies about

piston pumps, the hand water that is commonly installed in rural and suburban areas. There is

also insufficient data on the number of households that have hand water pumps in Brgy.

Alegre nor on the status of water hand water pumps in Brgy. Alegre.

The implications of conducting a research study on water quality assessment in

specific hand water pumps in Brgy. Alegre is significant as this study aims to evaluate the

safety of water from these pumps for consumption, determine the contaminants present, and

also identify the microbiological level of water from hand water pumps. Communities can

use this data to advocate for improvements in their water supply and develop interventions on

how to easily maintain hand water pumps so they will not lead to corrosion. It empowers
them to take action to ensure clean and safe water access for all. In addition, the findings of

this study can help raise awareness among community members about the importance of

clean and safe drinking water. It can also provide an opportunity to educate them about the

potential risks of contaminants by maintaining their hand water pumps and ways to ensure

water safety.

Statement of the Problem

1. What kinds of microbes are present in the water samples of the hand water pump?

2. What is the most probable number of fecal counts of water samples from a hand water

pump per 100ml?

3. What is the most probable number coliform count of water samples from a hand water

pump per 100 ml?

4. Is there a significant difference between the privately installed hand water pump and the

publicly installed hand water pump regarding their microbiological level?

5. What is the overall microbiological level of hand water pumps of Brgy. Alegre?

Scope and Delimitation

This study aims to focus on the water quality assessment of 2 publicly installed hand

water pumps and 2 privately installed hand water pumps, 4 hand water pumps in total will be

selected in Brgy. Alegre. This study only limits the hand water pumps in Brgy. Alegre and

will not include the hand water pumps outside Brgy. Alegre. The researchers will gather 320

mL of water samples in the 4 selected hand water pumps in Brgy. Alegre and will not exceed
that amount of water samples. Lastly, this study will be conducted during the whole final

term.

Significance of the study

The study's main purpose is to assess the overall contamination level of hand water

pumps in Brgy. Alegre. The finding of this study will be useful and can potentially be

beneficial to the following groups or individual/s:

1. Government Officials

-it can provide information regarding the water quality from Brgy. Alegre from water

hand-pump to some government sectors such as the Departure of Environmental Resources

(DENR), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Science Technology (DOST) in

which they can identify potential health risks associated with water consumption and

contamination, allowing for interventions and target plan.

2. General Practitioner

-it can give doctors a better understanding of the potential health risks of waterborne

diseases.

3. Household Citizens
 -this study will benefit the people who live in households with installed hand water

pumps because it gives information relating to the water quality of the hand water pump that

they are using and potential water contamination

Chapter II

Review of Literature

This literature review focuses on the assessment of water quality in hand water pumps

located in Brgy. Alegre. It discusses multiple publications that highlight the microbial

presence in water hand water pumps, the average count of fecal, and the average count of

coliform. Additionally, it also examines the significant difference between publicly installed

hand water pumps and privately installed hand water pumps in terms of their microbiological

level and microbiological level of water from hand water pumps. This chapter also identifies

the research gaps, agreements, and disagreements in the literature.

Many kinds of microbes in the water can pose a significant threat to human health,

aquatic ecosystems, and the environment. These microbes can enter our water sources

through various natural and human-induced processes, such as industrial discharges,

agricultural runoff, and the natural weathering of rocks and minerals (nrdc.org.com, 2001).

Most importantly, hand water pumps are susceptible to these contaminants. Water

contamination can lead to a wide range of problems, including waterborne diseases,

ecological imbalances, and the degradation of water quality for domestic, agricultural, and
industrial use. Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a major concern in Bangladesh, as

highlighted in the study "Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in Bangladesh: Causes, Effects

and Remediation" by Md. Safiuddin and Md. Karim (2001). The study reveals that arsenic

contamination has had severe effects on human health, and it also presents several measures

to mitigate the issue. Likewise, "Arsenic Contamination in Bangladesh" by M.F Hossain

(2006) states that 85 million people are at risk from arsenic contamination in drinking water

and food crops in Bangladesh. In Pakistan, a study titled Drinking Water Quality and Human

Health Risk in Charsadda District, by Khan et al. (2013) investigated the level of

contamination in a specific area and found that the water was contaminated with anions,

heavy metals, and coliform bacteria. The residents of the study area reported suffering from

various health problems due to the consumption of contaminated water. The provision of safe

water supplies is a significant responsibility of governments in developing countries.

Inappropriate sewage and solid waste disposal, overuse of agrochemicals, and inadequate

pipe and transportation infrastructure maintenance are major sources responsible for water

contamination (doh.wa.gov, 2016). In the Salem district, the concentration and health hazards

of various contaminants were studied in the drinking water, as per the findings of Assessment

of Drinking Water Quality in Salem District Using Decision Making Test and Evaluation

Laboratory Method by Chinnasamy et al. (2023). The study identified inappropriate sewage

and solid waste disposal, overuse of agrochemicals, and inadequate pipe and transportation

infrastructure maintenance as the primary sources of water contamination. They also found

that water contaminated with coliform bacteria is a significant source of water-borne

illnesses, including gastroenteritis, diarrhea, dysentery, and viral hepatitis.

The most probable number of fecal counts from hand water pumps varies significantly

depending on several factors, making a precise estimate challenging. A study by Akoto et al.

(2018) in Ghana reported fecal coliform levels exceeding the WHO guideline in 44% of hand
water pump water samples, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. A 2019 study by

Bain, et al. (2019) found that 57% of hand water pump water samples in rural India exceeded

the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for fecal coliforms, indicating

contamination with fecal matter and potential health risks. Another study found that total

coliform counts in hand water pumps were significantly higher during the rainy season than

the dry season, it has shown a wide range, from <1 to 685.3 colony forming units (CFU) per

100 milliliters (mL) of water Wenbiao, Toure, 2020). These variations are attributed to

factors such as season (dry vs. rainy), proximity to sanitation facilities, well construction, and

maintenance practices. This suggests increased contamination during periods of heavy

rainfall, potentially due to surface runoff and overflowing latrines. Additionally, hand water

pumps located near latrines or other sources of fecal contamination are more likely to have

higher fecal counts (Abellada, Abellana, Reyes, et al., 2021).

Coliform bacteria are one of the microbes that one must look out for as they can cause

diarrhea and stomachache (doh.wa.gov, 2022). According to Bekuretsion et Al (2018), the

coliform counts in water samples obtained from a hand water pump might exhibit significant

variation due to factors such as the geographical location, water source, and the existence of

impurities. Coliform bacteria serve as reliable indicators of water quality, as their existence

implies possible fecal pollution. Typically, the coliform count in drinking water should be

extremely low, preferably nil. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health

authorities establish criteria for potable water. The recommendations set by the World Health

Organization (WHO) state that drinking water should not have any measurable presence of

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria per 100 mL of water. In another study by Sharma, L &

Sharma, B (2018) Hand water pumps are meeting the need for drinking water in these

districts, in addition to other water resources. Using industry-standard procedures, tested 18

hand water pumps for a variety of water quality indicators, including pH, hardness, chloride,
fluoride, NO3 -N, EC, orthophosphate, TDS, TSS, BOD, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms.

According to the chemical parameter data, the water quality in all 18 hand water pumps was

within the WHO-permitted threshold. However, in eight of the hand water pumps, the fecal

coliforms were greater than the allowable limit (2-6 MPN/100 mL), proving that these water

sources were contaminated with organic substances.

Both public and private hand water pumps provide access to water either for

consumption or other activities however, their microbiological level may differ from each

other. According to “Assessment of Microbiological Quality of Public Hand Pumps in Rural

Areas of Northern, India”, a research study done by Singh, Goel, Gulati et.al (2019), where

80 public hand water pumps were analyzed for microbiological analysis, found that 75% or

60 out of the 80 of the hand water pumps were contaminated with E.coli bacteria.

Furthermore, according to Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water from Hand Pumps in

Rural Communities in Kenya, a research study done by Kirianki, Silas, Jo et.al (2015), out of

the 150 public hand water pumps that were tested for microbiological analysis, found that

68% or 102 out of 150 hand water pumps tested positive for Fecal bacteria. On the other

hand, private hand water pumps may or may not have the same microbiological analysis as

public hand water pumps. According to Hand Pump Water Quality and Association with

Childhood Diarrhea in Rural India: A Cross-Sectional Study, a microbiological research

study done by Mckay, Culigan, Keen et. al. (2019), it was found that 41% of the water

samples from randomly selected household hand water pumps tested positive with Fecal

indicator bacteria putting some areas in rural India in a higher risk of getting diarrhea. In

support of this, according to the study by Shield, Bain, Wright et. al (2015), entitled

Association of Supply Type with Fecal Contamination of Source Water and Household

Stored Drinking Water in Developing Countries: A Bivariate Meta-analysis, in the 10 water

samples that were tested for microbiological analysis, 46% were tested positive with various
bacteria such as salmonella and coliform. Private and public hand water pumps may have the

same use but may have different microbiological contamination levels on the other hand,

according to Water Supply (2018), it is safe to drink water from public hand water pumps as

it is because of the purification properties and minerals of the soil underneath, however,

according to Simple Pump (2023), it can be considered safe to drink water from private hand

water pumps or household hand water pumps as long as it is manufactured and compliant

with Safe Drinking Act, where it involves ensuring that the supply used to make the hand

water pump is lead-free and the hand water pumps are regularly well-maintained.

The microbiological level of water from hand water pumps determines whether water

from hand water pumps is safe to drink or use. Hand water pumps are one of the primary

sources of water in rural and suburban areas (www.sswm.info.com, 2023), however, due to

poor sanitation and poor management, water quality, and safety are compromised. The

increasing level of bacteria and viruses in the hand water pumps can make water and water

sources inaccessible and unsafe. According to the article published in National Geographic

Society by Brown (2023) titled, “Water Inequality”, open defecation is the biggest

contributor when it comes to high water contamination levels, one example of this is Nepal.

75% of water in schools of Nepal is contaminated with Fecal Bacteria. A research study done

by Sigh, Shukla et.al (2021) called, “Management of Risk Factors for Breaking Localized

Pathways of Microbial Contamination in Tube Wells with Hand Pumps: A Case Study”,

where 154 water hand water pumps were analyzed for Bacteriological Analysis and found

that, out of 154 hand water pumps analyzed, only 48 water hand water pumps was labeled as

“safe” and 106 was labeled as “unsafe”, due to high levels of contaminants. Similarly,

according to “Prevalence of Fluoride in Ground Water in Rajasthan State: Extent,

Contamination Levels and Mitigation (2014)”, hand water pumps installed near sewage
systems can also contribute to high contaminants present in the water of hand water pumps

that result to a higher contamination level.

Water quality assessment in hand water pumps using microbiological analysis has

much importance as it determines the quality of drinking water supplies and assesses the

potential diseases that people can get from contaminated water. Even though there are a lot of

studies on water quality assessment in hand water pumps, there is an insufficient study in

understanding the factors that contribute to the deterioration of water quality of hand water

pumps other than the expense of maintaining hand water pumps leading it to corrosion

(doi.org, 2020). Numerous studies have been done regarding the microbiological analysis of

hand water pumps, however, there is a lack of research studies concerning which types of

hand water pumps are more susceptible to contamination. Multiple studies point out that open

defecation and poor maintenance of hand water pumps in rural areas are the factors that

contribute to water contamination however, there is a lack of research studies that are

concerned with the intervention that can reduce water contamination in rural areas. There is

no surprise that researchers tend to only focus on the community’s poor maintenance of hand

water pumps, however, researchers that studied water quality assessment on hand water

pumps fail to assess what are the necessary interventions that communities can do to maintain

the safety of the water quality of hand water pump.

Research Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Water samples  Pre-survey  Identifying the

 2 public hand  Water sample water microbes.

water pumps collection  Determined the

 2 private hand  Water Analysis overall

water pumps  Result microbiological

 Figure 1. Input Process Output Model (IPO)

The researchers use the input-process-output model. It includes the flow of data,

information, and materials that will be used in conducting this research. The concept model,

as shown in Figure 1, shows the process of determining the microbiological contamination

that is present in the hand water pump.

For input, it contains the research’s independent and dependent variables. Usually, all

of the information listed in the statement of the problem is stated here.

For process includes the pre-survey, the water sample collection, water analysis, and

result interpretation.

In gathering the data, the researcher conducted a pre-survey of the private and public

hand water pumps in Brgy. Alegre.

 For outputs, this includes identifying the microbes and determining the overall

microbiological level of Brgy. Alegre and actions that will be taken after interpreting the

results of the study and the outcome of this research.

Definition of Term

Fecal Count. Bacteria that are found in the guts and feces of humans and animals

(knowyourh2o.com, 2015).

Hand Water Pump. A water-lifting device operates manually to withdraw water from

surface water sources, groundwater sources, and reservoirs (sswm.info.com, 2019). In Brgy.

Alegre, hand water pumps are used for drinking water, washing, sanitation, agricultural

irrigation, community water supply, etc.

Coliform Count. Bacteria that are found in soil, in water are influenced by surface water and

human waste (health.ny.gov. 2023)

Water Quality Assessment. An evaluation of the microbiological state of the water about its

future uses and natural state (intenchopen.com, 2021)

Chapter III
Methodology

I. Research Design

The descriptive-experimental research design combines descriptive research with an

experimental setup to describe a phenomenon. The research design of this study is

descriptive-experimental because the study focuses on describing the water quality of

hand water pumps in Brgy. Alegre through the microbiological analysis.

II. Research Sampling

A total number of 34 hand water pumps in Brgy. Alegre, Dulag, and Leyte, the

researchers will select four randomly selected hand water pumps, two private and two
 public hand water pumps that are scattered in different zones in Brgy. Alegre. Each

sample will contain 100ml of water.

III. Research Instrument

This research study will use recording and observation as research instruments.

Result charts:

Table 1. Microbes found in the Hand Water Pumps

Fecal Count Coliform Count

Public Hand Water

Pumps

HWP #1

HWP #2

Private Hand Water

Pumps

HWP #1

HWP #2

HWP = Hand Water Pump, / = Positive, × = Negative

Table 2. Public and private installed Hand Water Pumps (Most probable number of Fecal

count)

Public installed Fecal Count Private installed Fecal Count

HPW (MPN/100ml) HPW (MPN/100ml)

HWP #1 HWP #1

HWP # 2 HWP # 2

Table 3. Public and private installed Hand Water Pumps (Most probable number of Coliform
HPW= Hand Water Pump
Count)
 Public installed Coliform Count Private installed Coliform Count

HPW (MPN/100ml) HPW (MPN/100ml)

HWP #1 HWP #1

HWP # 2 HWP # 2

HWP = Hand Water Pump

Table 4. The overall microbiological level of Hand Water Pumps in Barangay Alegre.

Fecal Count Coliform Count Microbiological Overall

(MPN/100ml) (MPN/100ml) level Microbiological Level

Public

Hand

Water

Pumps

Private

Hand

Water

Pumps

IV. Data Collection Procedure

The researcher conducted a pre-survey to determine the total population of hand water

pumps in Brgy. Alegre Dulag, Leyte and to also determine the water samples needed.

Furthermore, the researchers collected water samples from selected water hand pumps

and were examined using microbiological analysis, particularly Fecal count, and Coliform

Count to assess the water quality.

 For microbiological analysis, 4 crystalline bottles were provided by the laboratory.

Prime Waters, Tacloban with a capacity of 100 ml was cleaned and sterilized. Bottles

were dried and ready for the collection of water samples.

1. The researcher will check the hand water pump if it is still usable. Pump for three

minutes to ensure that the water sample represents the quality of groundwater that

feeds the deep well.

2. After three minutes of pumping, the researchers will wipe the outlet or mouth of

the hand water- pump to remove any dirt found using a clean cloth or tissue

soaked in alcohol. Pump again for a minute.

3. After pumping, the researchers will open the sterilized bottle and fill it with water.

4. The water bottles will be tightly sealed to exterminate any further contamination.

5. The researcher will label the bottles according to their classification- private or

public.

6. The water samples will be safely transported to the laboratory of Prime Waters

Tacloban, Leyte for microbiological analysis.

V. Data Analysis

The following statistical tools will be used in analyzing the data in each research

question and also help interpret the data.

Research Questions Statistical Tool

1. What kinds of microbes are present in the water samples

Mean
of the hand water pump?

2. What is the most probable number of fecal counts of

Standardized Value
water samples from a hand water pump per 100ml?
3. What is the most probable number coliform count of
Standardized Value
water samples from a hand water pump per 100 ml?

5. Is there a significant difference between the privately

T-Test
installed hand water pump and the publicly installed hand

water pump regarding their microbiological level?

6. What is the overall microbiological level of hand water

Standardized Value
pumps of Brgy. Alegre?