Physicochemical Characteristics of Pipeline-Distributed Water in the Municipality of Potia, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao

Clean, drinkable water is essential to humans to prevent various health problems. In Potia, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, Philippines, water is mainly supplied to households through the water distribution system operated by the Alfonso Lista Water and Sanitation Authority (ALWASA). Due to limitations in water quality monitoring, there is not enough data available to fully characterize the water quality delivered in the households of Potia. Hence, this study assessed the physicochemical characteristics of the pipeline-distributed water received by the households within the community. It was found that the measured pH, TDS, total hardness, nitrate, and nitrite were acceptable according to the standards of the Philippine National Drinking Water Standards and the World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. On the other hand, it was found that there is an elevated water temperature and lowered residual chlorine, which may be caused by potential contamination. It is recommended that consumers further treat the pipeline-distributed water, such as boiling, filtering, and further chlorination if they will be using it for drinking purposes.