High fecal coliform levels found in water near Manila Bay establishments

High levels of fecal coliform bacteria were detected in waterways near establishments issued closure orders for allegedly dumping waste water directly into Manila bay, according to a Friday report on GMA News TV's "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho."

Laboratory results from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) concluded that water samples taken near the D Circle Hotel in Malate, Manila, as well as Tramway Bayview Buffet Restaurant and HK Sun Plaza in Pasay City exceeded the "safe" coliform level of 100 MPN per 100 milliliters.

The establishments were given seven days to resolve the issues, said Manila City Administrator Jojo Alcovendaz.

"Binibigyan natin sila ng seven days. Linya niyo ikabit niyo sa Maynilad," explained Alcovendaz. "Pagka lumipas 'yung seven days, at wala pa rin silang potable water, wala pa rin silang sewer connection, puwede natin silang ipasara."

Meanwhile, an even higher fecal coliform level of 700 MPN was detected near the KK Sun Plaza compound, which was owned by the Social Security System (SSS).

Several waterways around the compound were found to be foul-smelling, murky, and frothy.

As an "immediate solution", Nestor Sacayan from the SSS General Services Division said "bio-cleaners will be installed in the existing sewage treatment plant of HK Sun this week."

The executive also said tenants of the building that directly discharged waste into the Libertad channel would also be made to  "install potable sewage treatment plants to sanitize water from their establishments."

The Pasay City information office had yet to comment on the establishments in their jurisdiction found to be discharging waste water directly into Manila Bay, which the government was attempting to rehabilitate. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News