Tagbilaran City - Water is a necessity of every living creature especially humans. There are so many uses of water in the life of a person. Water is needed to quench the thirst. This is also important in cooking and food preparation. Water is used in mixing substances, cleaning surface areas, laundry, and many more.

The importance of water especially drinking water was more so realized after the onset of the typhoon Odette when most of the power lines that served the pumping stations were destroyed leading to water service interruptions. In hard hit areas, the scarcity of water was more pronounced, and residents were frantic where to secure safe drinking water. Stocks of drinking water from grocery stores and refilling stations became scarce that skyrocketed its price.   

Households and communities with deep wells were on the advantage during the disaster. Others residing near lakes, rivers or springs had sources to sustain their daily needs. However, its safety and potability is questionable.

To ensure that water is safe for cooking, food preparation and drinking, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following:

• Boil the water for at least 1 minute before using. But for water taken from a source with elevations above 6,500 feet, it should be boiled for at least 3 minutes. This method will kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• Purify water by adding 8 drops or 1/8 teaspoon of 5%-9% unscented household bleach to 1 gallon water. For cloudy tap water, use 16 drops or ¼ teaspoon. This method is effective in killing most viruses and bacteria.
• Use a filtration system. This method filters dirt and removes parasites but it does not necessarily filter out bacteria and viruses.

Water is essential in life. Others would opt a life without electricity than living without water. So, be counted in conserving water and protecting our water sources. // ND II Marcel John J. Cartin, RND