(Photo courtesy of DOH)
The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded the public to observe proper water storage and sanitation practices as the country prepares for the effects of El Niño, which could lead to water shortages in several areas.
The DOH emphasized the importance of ensuring that water used for drinking, cooking, and other household activities is clean and safe to prevent waterborne diseases.
The agency advised households to reserve potable water for drinking and food preparation, while non-potable or recycled water may be used for watering plants, cleaning, and flushing toilets.
For drinking water whose safety is uncertain, the DOH recommended boiling it thoroughly for three minutes before allowing it to cool and transferring it into a clean, covered container.
The public may also use chlorine purification tablets, provided they follow the recommended dosage and allow at least 30 minutes for the tablets to dissolve and disinfect the water before consumption.
Health authorities also warned against leaving water containers uncovered, as stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as dengue.
The DOH stressed that maintaining clean and properly covered water storage containers is essential to protecting public health, particularly during periods of limited water supply.
The advisory forms part of the government’s efforts to help communities prepare for the anticipated effects of El Niño while reducing the risk of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses.
