IMPROVING WATER QUALITY. Personnel of the DOST Ilocos Norte demonstrate how to use Vigormin powder to improve water quality of Paoay Lake. Vigormin is an organo-mineral that acts to lower the biochemical oxygen demand level of wastewater. (Contributed photo)
LAOAG CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Friday turned over at least one ton of Vigormin product to the provincial government of Ilocos Norte to reduce coliform level at the Paoay Lake water park.
DOST Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Benjamin Mercado Jr. said in an interview on Friday that the Vigormin powder is a low-cost solution to reduce the coliform level due to wastewater, drainage systems, and residual solid waste accumulating in the lake during surface runoff.
As part of the preventive measures, Mercado said "these will be shared by at least five establishments around the lake namely: Malacañang of the North, Kamarin Cafe, Jowtoo, Bellagio Hills and the Paoay Lake water park."
While demonstrating how to use the Vigormin powder mixed with water and later on be flushed in toilets, the DOST has recommended using the product for nine-week intense treatment.
The Ilocos Norte government, in cooperation with villagers around the lake likewise agreed to have a monthly clean up for prevention control.
Based on the latest monitoring of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) of Region I, it showed that the lake is deemed safe for swimming after the department recorded only 33 most probable number of coliform-group organisms per 100 ml.
With science and technology interventions, the Ilocos Norte government hopes that the quality of water at the lake will further improve.
After the pandemic restrictions were lifted, the Paoay Lake waterpark has played a key role in reviving the tourism industry in the province, reestablishing the reputation of Ilocos Norte as one of the most desirable "new normal" destinations.
The Paoay Lake waterpark complex features a mix-use infrastructure development where visitors can enjoy eating, playing, biking or boating. (PNA)
