Heavy Metal and Coliform Contamination in the Tap Water of Public Schools of Muntinlupa City, Philippines

Water in the public schools is essential as it is the primary resource for cleaning, plant maintenance and in some cases, for drinking. If unsafe and unclean water is consumed, it can lead to many diseases that can compromise the health of students and school personnel. Thus, monitoring water resources within the school compound should be of high priority. The study conducted physicochemical, heavy metal and coliform contamination assessment among the tap water of nine public schools of Muntinlupa City. Among the physicochemical parameters, dissolved oxygen across all schools is detected to be not normal. Cadmium content of all tap water among all schools has exceeded the standard limit and has shown concerning level of hazard quotient. Two out nine schools showed bacterial coliform contamination. Schools with this contamination are of great risks not only for students and personnel that utilizes tap water within the school compound.