WATER QUALITY MONITORING REPORT
BORACAY ISLAND COASTAL WATER
CY 2014
Beach Watch Monitoring Program of the Environmental Management Bureau
(EMB) mainly gives attention and monitors the water quality of coastal areas. These
coastal waters contribute much to the economy being major tourism sites as bathing
beaches and resorts. Boracay Coastal Waters is one of the key tourism sites of the
Philippines catering to both local and international tourism and as such there is an
essential need to preserve and improve the quality of the waters.
Upon knowing the present water quality of the coastal water and its
compliance to DENR Water Quality Standards, issues and concerns may be addressed
through proper consultation and concerted efforts from the Local Government Units
and EMB for the improvement and preservation of these water bodies.
BRIEF SAMPLING INFORMATION
Monitoring activities was conducted on a bi – monthly basis which started on the month
of January 2014. Samples were collected and were analyzed for the following parameters:
Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Temperature, Oil and Grease, Total Coliform and Fecal Coliform.
Data gathered were tabulated and compared to the Water Quality Criteria of 1990 which
depends on the water body classification. Assessments were made if the said water body
complied with its water quality standard criteria. Table 1 shows the Water Quality Standard
Values for reference.
Table 1. Standard Value of Class A, B, C, SB, SC Water Classification
PARAMETER
Temperature (max. rise in oC)
pH
Dissolved Oxygen, DO
Oil and Grease
Total Coliform
Fecal Coliform
Unit
Class SB
Class SC
°C rise
Range
mg/L
mg/L
MPN/100ml
MPN/100ml
3
6.0-8.5
> 5.0
2.0
1000
200
3
6.0-8.5
> 5.0
3.0
5000
-
EMB had already established fifteen (15) sampling stations located along the bathing area
of Boracay Island. Eight of which have samples collected 100 m away from the shoreline to
determine the extent of pollution in the said areas which are known to be Resort areas. An
additional two (2) samples were also added, one from Cagban Jetty Port and the other is the
Drainage Outfall located in Bulabog area to determine its contribution to the water quality of
Boracay Coastal Water. Table 2 shows the location and the official classification of the
monitoring stations of Boracay Island Coastal Water.
Table 2. Boracay Coastal Water Sampling Stations and Water Classification
Station No.
Location
1A
1
2A
2
3A
3
4A
4
5A
5
6A
6
7A
7
8A
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Puka Shell Beach, Brgy. Yapak
-do- (100 m from the shore)
Club Panoly Resort, Brgy. Yapak
-do-(100 m from the shore)
Friday’s Resort, Brgy. Balabag
-do-(100 m from the shore)
Boat Station No. 1, Brgy. Balabag
-do- (100 m from the shore)
Boat Station No. 2, Brgy. Balabag
-do-(100 m from the shore)
Villa Oro Beach Resort, Brgy. Balabag
-do-(100 m from the shore)
Boat Station No. 3, Brgy. Balabag
-do-(100 m from the shore)
Lorenzo South Resort, Brgy. Balabag
-do-(100 m from the shore)
Añgol Point, Brgy. Manoc-manoc
Manoc-manoc Pier, Brgy. Manoc-manoc
Tambisa-an Pier, Brgy. Manoc-manoc
Tulubhan, Brgy. Manoc-manoc
Bulabog Pier, Brgy. Balabag
Lapuz-lapuz, Brgy. Balabag
Ilig-iligan Shell Museum, Brgy. Yapak
Additional Stations
Cagban Jetty Port
Drainage Outfall, Brgy. Balabag
I
II
Official
Classification
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SC
SC
SB
SC
SB
SB
SC
SC
WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Table 3. Annual Range and Average Results of Boracay Coastal Water Monitoring
Parameters
Minimum
Maximum
Average
DO, mg/L
pH
Temperature, OC
2.9
7.0
25.0
10
8
33.0
7.0
7.9
29.3
0.9
18.0
4.2
7.0
4,810
188.3
2.0
1,332
86.4
Oil and Grease,
mg/L
Total Coliform,
MPN/100mL
Fecal Coliform,
MPN/100mL
Standard
Class SB
Class SC
> 5 mg/L
6.5 – 8.5
0
3 increase
2 mg/L
3 mg/L
1000
5000
MPN/100mL MPN/100mL
200
MPN/100mL
Table 3 shows the Annual average results of Boracay Coastal Water in terms of its
Physico Chemical and Microbial characteristics. Data revealed that Boracay coastal waters
complied with the water quality standards for DO, pH, Temperature, Total and Fecal Coliform of
Class SB and SC waters. Oil and Grease concentration are above the standard of 2 mg/L and 3
mg/L for class SB and SC waters respectively.
Non – compliance of the Oil and Grease water quality standard is basically due to the
presence of motorized pump boats for commercial and transportation purposes in the Island of
Boracay. Other possible sources are recreational water activities offered by resort owners as
amenities that can be availed by their guests and tourists. Figure 1 show the annual Oil and
Grease concentration for CY 2014.
Figure 1. Annual Oil and Grease Concentration for CY 2014
Figure 2. Annual Oil and Grease Water Quality Compliance, CY 2014
Ilig Iligan Shell Museum
Lapuz – Lapuz
Bulabog Pier
Tulubhan
Tambisaan Pier
Manoc – Manoc Pier
Angol Point
Lorenzo South Resort
Boat Station No. 3
Villa Oro Beach Resort
Boat Station No. 2
Boat Station No. 1
Friday’s Resort
Club Panoly Resort
Puka Shell Resort
83.3
20.0
50.0
33.3
66.7
66.7
16.7
33.3
50.0
33.3
50.0
33.3
33.3
33.3
20.0
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Compliance
Figure 2 shows the percent compliance of Boracay coastal water to Oil and Grease
standard which is 2 mg/L for class SB and 3 mg/L for class SC waters. Graph shows a low
compliance of each station to water quality criteria which ranges from 17% to 67% compliance
in terms of Oil and Grease concentration. However this range of compliance showed an
improvement from previous year.
Figure 3. Annual Comparative of Oil and Grease Concentration CY 2010 – CY 2014.
8
mg/L
7
6
5
4
Oil and Grease
3
2
1
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Figure 3 shows the comparative annual average concentration of Oil and Grease from CY
2010 – CY 2014. Oil and grease concentration showed a decline over the past two years showing
improvement in water quality of Boracay coastal water.
Boracay Island is known for its clear blue waters and white sand beaches; it is of major
concern to monitor the coastal water for its bacteriological characteristics since it is mainly used
for recreational water contact activities (e.g. swimming, bathing). Total and fecal coliforms are
the main parameters that were used to determine the extent of coliform concentration along the
bathing beaches of Boracay. Figures 4 and 5 shows the average total coliform concentration of
Boracay Island for CY 2014. Stations
Figure 4. Annual Total Coliform Concentration of Boracay Island, CY 2014
70
MPN/100 mL
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Standard Class SB - 1000 MPN/100mL ; Standard Class SC – 5000 MPN/100mL
Figure 5. Annual Total Coliform Concentration of Boracay Island, CY 2014
10000
MPN/100mL
1000
100
10
1
Angol Point
Manoc – Manoc
Pier
Tambisaan Pier
Tulubhan
Bulabog Pier
Lapuz – Lapuz
Standard Class SB - 1000 MPN/100mL ; Standard Class SC – 5000 MPN/100mL
Ilig Iligan Shell
Museum
In terms of total coliform concentration, stations classified as Class SB waters (blue) are
all compliant with the water quality standard of 1,000 MPN/100mL except for Station 12
(Tulubhan) which has a Total Coliform of 1,045 MPN/100mL. For Class SC waters (red) all
stations are compliant with the standard of 5,000 MPN/100mL with Bulabog Pier having the
highest concentration of 2,466 MPN/100mL which can be attributed to the presence of the
drainage outfall in the area.
Figure 6. Annual Fecal Coliform Concentration of Boracay Island, CY 2014
MPN/100mL
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Standard Class SB - 200 MPN/100mL
Figure 7. Annual Fecal Coliform Concentration of Boracay Island, CY 2014
MPN/100mL
1000
100
10
1
Angol Point
Manoc – Manoc
Pier
Tambisaan Pier
Tulubhan
Bulabog Pier
Standard Class SB - 200 MPN/100mL
Lapuz – Lapuz
Ilig Iligan Shell
Museum
Figure 6 and 7 shows the annual fecal coliform concentration of Boracay Coastal water
for CY 2014. No standards were set for class SC water since it mostly used for boating and
commercial fishing purposes and not primarily for contact water activities. On the other hand, for
class SB waters all stations complied with the water quality standard of 200 MPN/100mL except
for station located in Tulubhan which may be caused by surface runoffs from residential areas
that goes to the coastal water.
Figure 8. Annual Total and Fecal Coliform Concentration of Cagban Jetty Port and
Drainage Outfall, CY 2014
Standard Class SC: Total Coliform – 5000 MPN/100mL
Additional stations were monitored to determine the extent of contribution of these
stations to the water quality of Boracay Coastal Water. Figure 8 shows the annual average
concentration of Total and Fecal coliform in Cagban Jetty Port and Drainage Outfall. Results
showed a high concentration of coliform bacteria from the Drainage Outfall located in Bulabog
area which poses major concern to the tourists and residents of Brgy. Balabag.
Figure 9 shows the monitoring results of the Drainage Outfall in terms of Total and Fecal
Coliform for the whole year. Results have shown that there is an increase in Total coliform
concentration as summer season approaches and peaked during the month of May, eventually
decreased as rainy season started from the month of July. Stagnated water that was drained
during the summer period contains concentrated amounts of coliform can be a possible cause of
this high coliform value, additionally, warm temperatures enhances growth of bacteriological
organism in water.
Figure 9. Total and Fecal Coliform Monitoring Results of the Drainage Outfall, CY 2014
100000
90000
MPN/100mL
80000
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
January
March
May
Total Coliform
July
September
November
Fecal Coliform
Figure 10 and 11 are graphs of water quality compliance of each station to standard water
quality in terms of total and fecal coliform concentration. Based on the graph, stations of
Boracay Island coastal water has 100% compliance for both total and fecal coliform except
stations located in Tulubhan which has 67% compliance to Total coliform standard and 17%
compliance to Fecal Coliform standard.
Figure 10. Annual Total Coliform Water Quality Compliance, CY 2014
Figure 11. Annual Fecal Coliform Water Quality Compliance, CY 2014
Figure 12 shows the Annual Total and Fecal Coliform averages of Boracay Island from
CY 2010 – CY 2014. Based on the graph, Total coliform concentration of Boracay Island
increased from 137.8 MPN/100 mL to 188.3 MPN/100m mL. However, this concentration is still
within the water quality standard set for both class SB and SC waters. In terms of Fecal coliform
concentration, a slight improvement was observed based on the decrease in concentration.
Figure 12. Annual Comparative of Total and Fecal Coliform for Boracay Coastal Water,
CY 2010 – CY 2014
Figure 13. Annual Comparative of Total and Fecal Coliform for Drainage Outfall, CY 2010
– CY 2014
50000
MPN/100mL
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
2010
2011
Total Coliform
2012
2013
2014
Fecal Coliform
Figure 13 shows the annual Total and Fecal coliform concentration of the Drainage
Outfall from CY 2010 – CY 2014. Results revealed a decrease in water quality of the coastal
water where the drainage outfall is located as seen in the increase in coliform concentration both
total and fecal. This increase might be due to an increase in pollution load that is discharged in
the coastal in Bulabog area in which the sewerage system cannot hold that much.
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Water Quality of Boracay Island Coastal Water as of CY 2014 have shown compliance to
water quality standard for physico – chemical parameters as set in DENR Admin. Order
No. 34 series of 1990 except for Oil and Grease.

Oil and Grease compliance for all stations are within the range of 16% to 83% of
sampling events which can be attributed to the presence of boat stations along the coastal
area and other recreational water activities. However, annual concentration for CY 2014
has improved compared from the previous years.

All stations classified as class SB water are all 100% compliant to water quality standard
for Total and Fecal Coliform except in Brgy. Tulubhan which has 67% and 17%
compliance respectively.

Stations classified as class SC waters obtained 100% compliance to water quality
standard for Total and Fecal Coliform.

Total coliform concentration of the Drainage Outfall located in Brgy. Balabag failed to
comply with the water quality standard of 5000 MPN/100mL for Class SC water with a
value of 47,460 MPN/100mL which is higher compared to previous years.

Domestic Wastes coming from residential and commercial establishments that failed to
connect to sewer lines which go directly to drainage canal and empty in the coastal water
specifically in Bulabog area and also contaminated surface runoff that makes its way to
the coastal waters of Boracay Island are possible sources of water pollution in the Island
of Boracay.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the present water quality and the existing issues and concerns regarding the
coastal water of Boracay Island, here are some measures and activities that could help in the
preservation and maintenance of the coastal water.
First and foremost, for the Local Government Units of Malay and Boracay Island Water
Corporation (BIWC) to update the current status of additional sewer lines that were constructed
for the past few years and with the help from TIEZA to complete the drainage system of Boracay
Island and if possible try to extend the drainage outfall specifically in Bulabog Area farther away
from the shoreline.
For BIWC to coordinate with the LGU in identifying household and commercial
establishments connected or not connected to the sewer lines.
For BIWC in coordination with EMB Regional Office to conduct water quality
monitoring of the BIWC Drainage Outfall and Coastal water area specifically in Bulabog.
For the EMB Regional office to increase the monitoring frequency of the coastal water of
Boracay Island from a bi – monthly to monthly basis.
For the LGU’s to apply the “No Discharge Permit, No Business Permit Policy” unless
said establishment are connected to BIWC/BTSI Sewerage System and to check for backyard pig
pens in some areas of the island especially in Tulubhan area that they contain there wastewater.
For the LGU’s with the help from the Philippine Coast Guard and Marina to monitor the
proper disposal of used oil for the motorized pump boat and to establish bilge water reception
and treatment facilities in strategic areas.
For the Philippine Coast Guard with Marina to reduce the docking motor boats in the Port
Area and along the shoreline of Boracay Island.
And lastly, for EMB Regional office with the help from LGU Malay to reclassify
Bulabog Pier and Manoc – Manoc Pier from Class SC water to Class SB water in order for a
more stringent water quality standard in this areas.