Quality, Utilization and Management of Groundwater in Barangay Badas, Mati, Davao Oriental

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the quality of groundwater and management practices of the residents in Barangay Badas, Mati, Davao Oriental. Specifically, this included the water utilization profile and biological characteristics—Most Probable Number (MPN) of coliforms per 100 ml. sample, chemical characteristics-pH. total dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride, nitrates, sodium, magnesium, and calcium. There were 208 respondents interviewed for the determination of water utilization profile, potential source of contamination, and water management practices of the residents in Barangay Badas. Five sampling sites were established for the collection of water samples, which were then submitted to the University of Immaculate Conception, Davao City for analysis. The Philippine National Standard for drinking water was used for water quality assessment. The t-test was used for data analyses in comparing the experimental mean to the standard value. The majority of the residents in Barangay Badas used their water for domestic purposes. The main possible sources of groundwater contamination in this area were the waste from agricultural activities, improper waste disposal, and improper sanitation. The results for the most probable number of coliforms per 100 ml. sample and sodium were above the maximum level. The pH levels were within the safe limits for drinking water. The results for total dissolved solids, total hardness, chlorides, nitrates differ from one station to another. Magnesium and calcium had no standard values. The residents of Barangay Badas should be educated on the importance of water management in order to conserve one of its non-renewable natural resources, the groundwater.