Rivers are freshwater ecosystems essential in providing water resources for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes. Water quality of these ecological systems are declining globally due to natural or anthropogenic activities. 

        In the Philippines, 47% out of 127 Philippine freshwater bodies retain good water quality. Coliform bacteria have been used to evaluate the general quality of water and serve as indicators of contamination in a water source.

        The Quiaoit River Watershed (QRW), a major source of domestic water supply and irrigation for thousands of Ilocanos in the City of Batac and the towns of Paoay and Currimao, Ilocos Norte, faces demand pressure. Wastes and sewage discharged to the river poses threat to the riverine system and to the local resident’s health.

        This study aimed to conduct a microbial and physico-chemical assessment of the river. Water samples were collected from four sampling sites in Quiaoit River and were tested for E. coli contamination and physicochemical characteristics.

 

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