The humble artesian well, or poso as it is fondly called, may provide an alternative of drinking water, especially in areas where commercial water prove to be in accessible or too expensive for the community.
But is it really safe to drink despite the fact that some have been doing it for years? A recent study by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) contradicts this practice after water samples gathered from selected barangays in Los Baños, Laguna were found riddled Escherichia coli, a common indicator of fecal contamination. What made the research even more startling was eight out of the 30 samples showed signs of fecal contamination, while three tested positive for E. coli.
To make matters worse, one of discovered E. coli variant was, according to Advocates,
resistant to four different antibiotics, and that 10 households were actually drinking from
this water source.
The resistance is linked to a specific gene called TEM gene, or blaTEM gene, which encodes a protein called TEM beta-lactamase, an enzyme that confers antibiotic resistance known as beta-lactams.
“It is imperative to educate the community about the risks associated with consuming contaminated water. More importantly, regular monitoring of artesian well waters and providing access to safe drinking water by local government units are recommended,” the study said, as posted on the UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs website.
