ASSESSING THE ALIGODON RIVER AND ITS WATERSHED AS DRINKING WATER SOURCE

Alexander L Ido

Abstract: With increasing scarcity of drinking water, the need for a sustainable source of water for drinking has been among the concerns of many communities of the world. This study aims to assess the viability of Aligodon River, and its watershed to be used as raw water source of the municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. It mainly determines the existing land use of the watershed and characterizes the Aligodon river body to ensure the feasibility of giving the water demand of the would-be concessionaires of the treated raw water. The ArcWindow software is used in delineating the boundaries of the watershed. Area and location of the basin are determined using GPS method. Characterization of the river body is determined according to water flow and essential physical characteristics. The result of the investigation revealed a forested watershed of Aligodon river with no human habitation, an indication of no domestic waste contamination. Water flow is significantly affected by the season of the year. Nonetheless, even during the dry season, the water flow can sufficiently supply the water demand of the target community to be served by the water system.

Keywords: Watershed Assessment, Drinking Water Source, Water Flow, River Assessment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0505011