Assessment of Bacterial Contamination in Freshwater Stations: Implications for Drinking Water Safety Based on PNSDW 2017 Standards

Water is universally recognized as a fundamental necessity for life, playing a critical role in physiological processes, sanitation, and overall ecosystem balance. However, the accessibility and quality of drinking water remain pressing public health issues in many rural and underserved areas. This study investigates the microbiological quality of freshwater sources by assessing bacterial contamination levels, focusing on Thermotolerant Fecal Coliforms and Total Coliforms. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional research design, water samples were systematically collected from four freshwater stations, with three random sampling points per station to ensure representative data. Samples were immediately transported to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center – Department of Pathology for laboratory analysis. Quantitative results were interpreted based on the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW, 2017), which set microbiological safety thresholds for potable water. Findings revealed that Stations 1 and 2 harbored high levels of bacterial contamination (CFU > 8.0 MPN/100 ml), significantly exceeding the permissible limits, thereby classifying them as FAILED in terms of safety for human consumption. Conversely, Stations 3 and 4 demonstrated acceptable microbial levels (<1.1 CFU MPN/100 ml), thus meeting the standards for PASSED potability. The data underscore a critical public health concern and reflect the need for immediate intervention through water purification systems, regular monitoring, and community education on safe water practices. This study provides empirical evidence supporting policy formulation and localized efforts to improve water safety and prevent waterborne diseases.