Abstract:
This study assessed the microbiological quality of potable water from dispensers located at LORMA Colleges – Campus for Health Sciences (CHS) in Carlatan, San Fernando City, La Union. The objective was to evaluate bacteriological indicators such as total coliforms, heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), and fecal/thermotolerant coliforms to determine the extent of microbial contamination. A quantitative-experimental and descriptive approach was employed, focusing on dispensers in high-traffic areas (e.g., hallways), low-traffic areas (e.g., faculty and administrative offices), and standing water bottles (not yet dispensed). Water samples were collected and tested using standard microbiological methods, and results were statistically analyzed using a two-sample t-test to assess differences across locations and water sources. The findings revealed that all samples from high-traffic areas and standing water bottles tested negative for total coliforms, HPC, and thermotolerant coliforms. In contrast, 7 out of 10 samples from low-traffic areas tested positive for total coliforms, and 4 of these also contained thermotolerant coliforms. HPC values in low-traffic areas ranged from 0 to over 5,700 CFU/mL, with four samples exceeding acceptable limits. These results indicate potential contamination in seldom-monitored dispensers and emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring, particularly in low-traffic areas, to ensure the continued safety and quality of drinking water within academic institutions.
