MIWD undertakes research on Calajunan dumpsite effects on groundwater
The Metro Iloilo Water District is initiating the conduct of an extensive research on the effects of the Calajunan dumpsite on the groundwater source within and the adjoining surroundings of Barangay Calajunan in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
The study came in the wake of reported presence of heavy metals and probably organic contaminants on the groundwater system around and within the catchment basin of Calajunan Creek and surroundings of the existing Calajunan dumpsite.
Groundwater analysis from the waste disposal facility in the said barangay in 1998 showed presence of heavy metals in some sampling stations.
The study, which will cover the entire catchment of the Calajunan Creek down to the confluence of Iloilo River and immediate surroundings within the groundwater basin where the dumpsite is located, calls for the investigation and validation of the reported presence of these toxic contaminants.
It is also necessary in determining the source and presence/occurrence of the reported heavy metal contaminants, if there is any, and the appropriate mitigating measures to address the impacts.
The study also seeks to determine the threat and risk of groundwater and surface contamination within the identified impact area.
While the research also aims to determine the groundwater potential of the study area for the proper appropriation of current and future groundwater utilization, it also intends to provide a proposed groundwater monitoring program, if needed, which will address the potential impacts of contamination on available groundwater resources of the area.
The research, to be conducted by Woodfields Consultants, Inc., is expected to be completed in four months at the cost of P771,600.00.
MIWD is presently extracting groundwater source in the municipalities of Oton and San Miguel aside from the Tigum River in Maasin to support the increase in demand of potable water in Iloilo City and the nearby municipalities.