Is Davao Water Safe to Drink? | 2017

Davao City's water supply is directly connected from the DCWD to every household as potable water

For years in Davao City, we have been drinking our water directly from our household faucets through the water line. It has been a pride in the city to have our water delivered as "safe to drink". Unlike in most areas in our country, the Philippines, there are alternatives through water stations that are sought for their drinking supply. This has brought hassle and additional expense to the Filipinos.

Water bottles as drinking supply in every residences and business establishments 

However, in our city (Davao), there is already a fast growing establishment of water stations. Wherein, the demand of consumers are surprisingly high. Residences in most subdivisions prefer to buy a dispenser and a refillable bottled water for their household supply.

So this led us to question; Is our water still safe to drink?

Background:

The water pipes used to connect from the water source to our residences is made out of Galvanized Iron (G.I.). This type of steel, as being galvanized, is coated with protective zinc to prevent it from rusting. But, "walang forever" you might say. Corrosion to the material through time (decades) is inevitable and leaking would be the predictable outcome.

Corroded G.I. pipes throughout the time

In some instances, Main roads in the city experienced temporary detours and road blocks due to this issue. However, the government (DCWD) is conducting a continuous upgrades for these pipes and nevertheless will benefit the Dabawenyos in the long run.

According to Wikipedia, this type of piping will rust inside out. This will build-up layers of plaque from the inside of the piping, and will result to a flake-off. It will lead to a visible impurities (as we might see when fetching water through a glass) and  a slight metallic taste.

Right now there is already a fast-pacing movement on upgrading these pipes. 

This problem will just be a temporary defect. Our objective is to provide awareness to our fellow Dabawenyos. 

If you might experience the conditions above, there is nothing wrong to be conscious about it. For we are talking about our health. Additionally, the chlorine that is applied in our water is safe to drink. That acts as a disinfectant during the filter process. That is one of the reason why our water is safer than the other cities in the country.

A clear glass of water is an ideal image of the "safe to drink" water supply

Our action now is to observe and to judge by how we see the water condition and the taste. After all, at the end, you will be the one who will decide whether to drink it or not.