Assessment of Physicochemical and Microbial Quality of Selected Wells in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City

Abstract

This study employed a descriptive–comparative quantitative research design to assess the physicochemical and microbial quality of water from three selected community wells in Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, and determine its suitability for domestic non-drinking uses such as bathing and laundry. The physicochemical parameters examined included pH, temperature, turbidity, and total dissolved solids (TDS), while microbial quality was evaluated through total coliform counts. The results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for physicochemical parameters and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Class B standards for microbial content. Water samples were collected from three wells under sunny conditions during 2025–2026, with three sampling trials conducted per site. Samples were obtained using sterilized PET bottles after purging stagnant water, preserved in ice-filled coolers, and immediately transported to F.A.S.T. Laboratory for analysis. Physicochemical parameters were measured following standard laboratory protocols, while total coliform levels were determined using the Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique. Mean values were computed and compared with the established standards. Results showed that Site A (pH 6.75, temperature 20.03 °C, turbidity 2.57 NTU, TDS 665.33 mg/L) and Site B (pH 7.05, temperature 20.17 °C, turbidity 0.38 NTU, TDS 679 mg/L) complied with WHO recommended limits (pH 6.5–8.5, temperature ≤25 °C, turbidity ≤5 NTU, TDS ≤1000 mg/L). In contrast, Site C exceeded acceptable limits for turbidity (14.90 NTU) and TDS (1111.33 mg/L), although its pH (7.12) and temperature (21.13 °C) remained within the recommended range. Microbial analysis revealed extremely high total coliform counts in all wells: Site A (6,583 MPN/100 mL), Site B (35,667 MPN/100 mL), and Site C (27,667 MPN/100 mL), which significantly exceed the DENR limit of 200 MPN/100 mL. Despite generally acceptable physicochemical parameters in two wells, the severe bacterial contamination indicates that the water from all sites is unsafe for domestic use without treatment, highlighting the need for immediate remediation and continuous water quality monitoring.