Palawan Water, the operator of El Nido’s sewage treatment facility, said that water quality has improved to within national safety standards in areas that are covered by its operation.
Palawan Water was reacting to the 2024 data released by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which showed alarmingly high levels of fecal coliform contamination in many beaches accessed by tourists.
The water infrastructure program of the Palawan government noted that 12 beachfront sampling stations in the town now meet national water quality standards, achieving an average of 36.5 most probable number (MPN) of fecal coliform per 100 milliliters (mL) of water.
The environment department sets the allowable limit for Class SB coastal waters, designated for activities such as swimming and snorkeling, at 100 MPN/100mL.
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Nacpan Beach, Maremegmeg III, Maremegmeg I, Lugadya, Masagana, Corong-Corong Cove I, Calitang Beach, Twin Beach, Caalan Beach, Maligaya, Sitio Caalan, and Lio Beach were among the beaches that passed the standards based on the EMB’s 2024 monitoring report.
Palawan Water said these areas are supported by cluster collector tanks. Cluster 6 (Northern Masagana) had 96.2% coverage and 103 businesses connected to the system. Cluster 7 (Southern Masagana) had 84% coverage and 58 businesses connected to the system. Cluster 4 (Maligaya) had 73.4% coverage and 138 businesses connected to the system.
“As more establishments join this vital network, we can anticipate ongoing enhancements in water quality, contributing to a healthier ecosystem for both residents and visitors alike,” it said.
Data recently released by the EMB presented a contrasting situation elsewhere in El Nido. The data showed that out of the 25 water sample locations that were analyzed, 13 passed the national fecal coliform standards, while 12 failed.
All five outfall sampling stations draining into Bacuit Bay failed water quality tests as of August 20, 2024. Masagana Outfall I recorded the highest contamination level at 460,000 MPN/100mL, followed by Masagana Outfall II at 350,000 MPN/100mL, El Nido Estero Outfall at 110,000 MPN/100mL, Cabugao/Cadlao Outfall at 11,000 MPN/100mL, and Corong-Corong Outfall at 2,000 MPN/100mL.
Similarly, September 30, 2024, testing showed that several popular beaches, including Maremegmeg II (1,700 MPN/100mL), Corong-Corong Cove II and III (330 MPN/100mL each), Buena Suerte (130 MPN/100mL), and Lio Runway (630 MPN/100mL), exceeded safe levels.
The data, however, was recently removed from the EMB website. The bureau has yet to respond to Palawan News’ inquiry regarding the circumstances behind its disappearance.
Palawan Water said eight beaches continue to post water quality levels beyond permissible limits, averaging 466 MPN/100mL, and stressed that focused efforts remain necessary to address contamination in these areas.
A new STP cluster tank in Buena Suerte, it said, is set to begin operations next month to help reduce contamination levels further.
“As the STP network expands, we urge the entire El Nido community to take an active role in this critical endeavor,” Palawan Water said.
“The success of this initiative hinges on collective participation,” it added.
