COWD Addresses Reports of Acute Gastroenteritis Cases in CdeO

The Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD), in coordination with the City Health Office (CHO), conducted joint inspection and water sampling to address the recent reports of Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) cases in Cagayan de Oro City.

On September 25, seven (7) water samples were collected, followed by eight (8) more samples on September 27. The sampling was done in the downtown area, both before-the-meter (COWD distribution line) and after-the-meter (including storage areas of establishments).

Results show that samples testing positive for bacterial contamination came from after-the-meter sources—specifically, storage facilities and in-house systems of establishments. On the other hand, water directly sourced from COWD’s mainlines tested negative for bacterial contamination.

From January to September 2025, COWD collected and tested, on average, 109 water samples monthly from households and mainline sources, in compliance with and even exceeding the required sampling ratio for our 108,000 service connections. All these samples consistently tested negative for E. coli. Furthermore, residual chlorine tests confirm that COWD’s water supply is treated in accordance with standards—residual chlorine ensures bacteria-killing protection up to the point of delivery.

● Actions taken by COWD include:

Coordinating with the LGU and CHO for extensive testing and sampling in areas with prevalent cases

Flushing pipelines in identified AGE case locations

Conducting shock-dosing of chlorine within permissible safety levels

Intensifying consumer education campaigns on safe water handling and storage

Given the recent rise in AGE cases, COWD advises the public to:

Drink only boiled, treated or bottled water for added safety (per CHO advice)

Practice frequent handwashing (per CHO advice)

Regularly clean and disinfect household or establishment water storage facilities

Immediately report to COWD any observed mainline leaks or mainlines submerged in drainage canals for proper action

Finally, COWD reminds the public to remain vigilant against fake news and unverified claims. We encourage everyone to rely only on official advisories from established, credible, and reliable sources to avoid misinformation.

COWD is an ally of the Local Government and of the city’s residents and water users. We have always strived to serve to the best of our abilities and to ensure that the water we deliver is safe and clean for the community. Now that we are faced with a public health challenge, COWD will remain proactive, doing all we can and working hand in hand with the City to address this issue for the well-being of our people.