Water Quality Assessment Of Santa Cruz River 2011

Prepared and Written By:

Darlene T. Tingal – Biologist I Gregory Alexis A. Ongjoco – Chemist II Bileynnie P. Encarnacion – Biologist II

Reviewed By:

Ms. Adelina C. Santos-Borja, OIC, Resource Mgt. and Development Department Engr. Jocelyn G. Sta Ana, OIC, Environmental Laboratory and Research Division

For more information, please contact:

Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Resource Management and Development Department Lake Development Authority Tel. No. 2866143

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Introduction 1 Objectives 2 Methodology 2 Sampling Stations and Frequency of Sampling 3 Sample Collection, Preservation and Analysis 4 Field Observation and In-situ Measurements 4 Results and Discussion 4 Physico-Chemical Parameters 4 pH 4-5 Dissolved Oxygen 6 Biological Oxygen Demand 7 Nutrient Load 8 Nitrate 8 Inorganic Phosphate 8 Ammonia 9-10 Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Solids and Total Solids 10-12 Turbidity 12-13 Other Parameters 13 Chloride 13 Conductivity 14 Oil and Grease 14 Alkalinity 15 Biological Parameters 15 Phytoplankton 16 Benthos 16-17 Microbiological Analyses 17-18 Conclusion 18-19 Recommendation 19-20 References 21

List of Tables

Page Table 1 Stations Coordinates of Santa Cruz River 2

Table 2a.1 General Observation and Description of Sampling Station 1 to 5 (May) 23

Table 2a.2 General Observation and Description of Sampling Station 6 to 10 (May) 24

Table 2a.3 General Observation and Description of Sampling Station 11 to 1 5 (May) 25

Table 2b.1 General Observation and Description of Sampling Station 1 to 5 (Nov) 26

Table 2b.2 General Observation and Description of Sampling Station 6 to 10 (Nov) 27

Table 2b.3 General Observation and Description of Sampling Station 11 to 15 (Nov) 28

Table 3a Physico-Chemical Parameters of Santa Cruz River (May) 29

Table 3b Physico-Chemical Parameters of Santa Cruz River (Nov) 30

Table 3c Computed Unionized Ammonia per Station (May & Nov) 10

Table 4a Water Quality Assessment Based on Algal Population (May) 31

Table 4b Water Quality Assessment Based on Algal Population (Nov) 32

Table 5a Water Quality Assessment Based on Benthic Macroinvertebrates (May) 33

Table 5b Water Quality Assessment Based on Benthic Macroinvertebrates (Nov) 34

Table 6 Results of Microbiological Analysis (May & November) 35

List of Figures

Page

Figure 1 Map of Santa Cruz River and its Sampling Stations 3

Figure 2 pH 6

Figure 3 Dissolved Oxygen 7

Figure 4 BOD5 7

Figure 5 Nitrate 8

Figure 6 Inorganic Phosphate 9

Figure 7 Ammonia 10

Figure 8 Total Suspended Solids 11

Figure 9 Total Dissolved Solids 12

Figure 10 Total Solids 12

Figure 11 Turbidity 13

Figure 12 Chloride 13

Figure 13 Conductivity 14

Figure 14 Oil and Grease 15

Figure 15 Alkalinity 15

Figure 16 Pictures of Santa Cruz River Stations (May & November Sampling) 36-40 Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River

Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River

Introduction

Santa Cruz is an urban class municipality and the capital town of the province of Laguna. It is situated at the central portion of the Laguna province along the southeastern coast of . It is also the seat of the provincial government since 1885, giving the municipality an additional administrative function on the entire province. It lies approximately 87 km southeast of Metro via Calamba and 105 km via , in the province of and is geographically located at 14o 17’ latitude and 121o25’ longitude. It is accessible by land from the nearby 28 municipalities and by water through Laguna de Bay from Manila and some Rizal towns. The municipality is bounded by Laguna de Bay on the north, by and towns in the east, Pagsanjan and Magdalena towns in the south, and Pila and towns in the west.

Santa Cruz town is situated on the banks of the Santa Cruz River and course its way along the eastern part of the famous Laguna de Bay. Santa Cruz is considered as the service and commercial center on the eastern part of Laguna province. The town is composed of 5 barangays in the area and 21 classified urban barangays.

Santa Cruz River is one of the 21 major tributary rivers of Laguna de Bay contributing about 15% of the total water in the lake. During the typhoon “Milenyo”, the Calumpang Diversion Dam was destroyed due to overflowing of the river. Built in 1970, the dam channeled irrigation canals around the Calumpang area. The water is used as a source of irrigation for 2185 hectares ricefields in Pila, Santa Cruz, Liliw, Victoria and . The riverbed is characterized by rocks, pebbles to sandy bottom where quarrying along the river was also one source of income aside from fishing. According to the National Irrigation Authority, quarrying could be the cause of erosion and deepening of riverbed to 12 m lower than the old depth. The width and length of the river could be comparable to Pagsanjan River. However, the volume and capacity of Santa Cruz River were exceeded during the tropical cyclone “Santi” (2009). Santa Cruz River submerged 85% of the town, 6 ft at Brgy. San Pablo Norte, waist-deep at Brgy. Santisima Cruz and San Pablo Sur while leg-deep at Brgy. Inang Awa.

According to Water Usage and Classification for Freshwater System used by DENR Santa Cruz River was classified as Class D, which is suitable for agricultural irrigation, livestock watering and industrial water supply (WQ Status Report, 2005). However, in 2001-2005, one of the river tributaries that passed the Class C dissolved oxygen criterion was Santa Cruz River (EMB 2006). The river runs through municipalities and considered as fishing ground to small fish farmers along the area. Fishes caught in the river are tilapia, dalag, shrimp, kanduli and other fishes including invasive species like knifefish and janitor fish.

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 2

Objectives

In 1996 LLDA launched its River Rehabilitation Program utilizing an integrated approach on the management of the watershed, taking into account the water quality and other activities that thrives along the river system all the way to Laguna de Bay. As part of the River Rehabilitation Program of Resource Management and Development Department (RMDD), the assessment of the water quality of Santa Cruz was undertaken for the dry and wet season for the purpose of determining seasonal variations of the water quality in terms of biological, chemical and bacteriological parameters. Water quality was assessed based on the biological organisms characterized as clean to polluted indicators and the physico-chemical parameters. Other observations in relation to development and activities within the river system and its watershed were taken into account. The study serves as baseline information on the use and activity of the Santa Cruz River and its watershed.

Methodology

Sampling Stations and Frequency of Sampling

Fifteen (15) sampling stations at various sections of the river and its tributaries were already established since 1998. Reconnaissance of the established stations was again done to determine if changes in the original stations need to be made. Sampling stations were selected strategically along the Santa Cruz River and its tributaries and coordinates of each station were established using the Global Positioning System (GPS) presented in Table 1. Stations established along the stretch of the river and representative section of its tributaries are shown in Fig. 1. The frequency of sampling was represented by two seasons. The May (May 17 and 18, 2011) represent the wet season while November (November 24 and 28, 2011) represent the dry season.

Table 1. Stations Coordinates of Santa Cruz River Station Location Coordinates 1 Mouth (Santa Cruz) P 0327797 1580793 2 Brgy. Santo Angel P 0328548 1579893 3 Brgy. Pagsawitan P 0329736 1577880 4 Brgy. Calumpang P 0328151 1568855 5 Brgy. Sta. Lucia P 0328152 1568680 6 Brgy. Bancoro P 0328464 1567064 7 Brgy. Palina P 0329238 1563630 8 Brgy. Balinacon P 0329270 1563038 9 Brgy. San Francisco P 0329720 1560074 10 Brgy. Pook P 0327773 1560676 11 Brgy. Laguan P 0326441 1561843 12 Brgy. Panglan P 0332779 1563381 13 Brgy. Ibabang San Roque P 0332430 1563198 14 Brgy. Palayan P 0327511 1563348 15 Brgy. Cabuyew P 0328852 1566677

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 3

Fig. 1. Map of Sampling Stations of Santa Cruz River

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 4

Sample Collection, Preservations and Analysis

Water samples were collected in each station by grab method and with the use of plastic pail in stations with depth more than 1 foot. The water samples for chemical analysis were placed in the designated container with label and preserved in the cooler with ice. Microbiological samples were collected by grab method using the sterilized bottles and preserved with ice in a separate cooler. Samplers used for the collection of biological samples were surber sampler and ekman dredge. Benthic flora and fauna were collected using surber sampler for water depth below 1 foot while ekman dredge for water depth 1 foot and above. Sediment samples collected using ekman dredge were processed by allowing the collected sediment to pass through a sieve with mesh size of 180 m. The samples left in the sieve was transferred to a screw cap plastic container of 100 and 250 ml capacity for flora and fauna analysis, respectively. Samples for benthic flora were preserved with 3 to 5 drops of Lugol’s solution while benthic fauna with 2 ml of formalin. Samples for biological samples were stored under room temperature prior to analysis. All samples collected were brought to the Environmental Laboratory and Research Division and submitted for analysis. Method of analysis was based on the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (21st edition).

Field Observation and In-situ measurements

Field observations recorded during the wet and dry sampling are presented in Tables 2a and 2b. Water temperature ranged from 21 to 30oC in May and 22 to 27oC in November in all stations. Weather condition was sunny in May while in November, sunny to partly cloudy, due to previous storm. The water condition was clear to greenish in May and greenish to brownish in November. Water level was low in May while in November a rise in the level of water was observed as boulders and big rocks were already submerged in water. Some garbage was observed along the sides of the tributaries far from residential area while the stretch of the river from Brgy. Calumpang station to mouth, garbage was observed on sides of the river and floating in the water surface. Patches of water hyacinth was observed floating from Stn. 3 (Brgy. Pagsawitan) going to Stn. 1 (mouth). In November, thick growth of water hyacinth covering almost the entire river was observed in Station 1 (mouth). There was an on-going construction of a new bridge in the said station and both sides of the river were full of excavated soil leaving the river width smaller than the original size.

Results and Discussion

The Physico-chemical parameters and values obtained for both sampling are presented in Table 3a and 3b. Results of analysis were assessed based on the water criteria for Class C waters, that is, for fisheries and aquaculture as provided in the DENR AO 34 and are presented below:

a) pH

The pH value of water helps us understand the kind of acidity or alkalinity in the water. The standard criteria for pH value set for Class C waters range from 6.5-8.5 expressed in units. The pH value of water samples collected in May range from 5.8 to 7.4. Out of the15 stations,

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 5

12 stations passed the DENR criterion set for pH value while 3 stations obtained a pH value of 5.8 (Station 9) and pH of 6.4 (Stns. 8 and 13), which are below the criterion set for Class C waters. The water in Station 9 came out from beneath the rocks and did not pass through the main canal of the river. Residents said that a spring water outlet is present underneath. The water was clear and cold (21oC) during the time of sampling (May). The water in the area is used for washing and bathing of residents and maintained clean all throughout. In November, the pH value obtained ranged from 7 to 8.7. All stations except Stn. 6 conformed to the criteria set for Class C waters. An increase in the pH value of 7 was observed in Station 9 (San Francisco). The main canal was filled with water (flood/rainwater) aside from the spring water underneath the rocks compared to the previous sampling. The change in the pH value could have been attributed to the mixed water brought by rainfall experienced the previous week and spring water underneath the rocks that flows into the river. The highest pH value obtained was 8.7 in Stn. 6 (Brgy. Bancoro). The presence of dried leaves and bamboo poles dumped/washed into the river could have contributed to the slight increase in pH value.

Station 9 situated at San Francisco, River tunnel dried (May sampling)

Station 9 (San Francisco), River tunnel with overflowing water (November sampling).

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Results showed that pH value increases in November compared to May sampling. This could have been due to the flood/rainwater that flows into the river carrying with it particles and other solid waste.

pH 10.0

9.0 May Sampling 8.0 November 7.0 Sampling

6.0 Class C WQ Criteria 5.0

4.0

Station 1 Station 2 Station 3Station 4 Station 5 Station 6Station 7 Station 8 Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15

Figure 2. pH of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

b) Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen (D.O.) is one indicator of a good water quality of a stream or any water body. The amount of dissolved oxygen in an ecosystem is affected by temperature, organic matter coupled by bacterial activity and photosynthesis. Photosynthesis helps replenish dissolved oxygen. This process could be experienced in areas where there is greater sunlight. The minimum dissolved oxygen value ideal for living organisms to survive is 5mg/L; below this amount some species could not survive. However, other organisms can tolerate even lower than the minimum value. The whole stretch of Santa Cruz River including its tributaries passed the criteria for Class C waters. The continuous water movement from the upstream going towards the mouth with a fast to moderate flow enhances aeration process in the river system.

In May, the D.O. concentrations in all stations ranged from 5 to 8.3 mg/L and conformed with the criterion for Class C waters. The value of 5 mg/L was obtained in Station 5. The water in this area was confined/retained in a “dam-like” structure with very little water movement; part of it is diverted to irrigational canal while the rest overflow into the mainstream of Santa Cruz River.

Dissolved oxygen values obtained in November sampling ranged from 5.2 to 10.9 mg/L in all stations and conformed to the DENR criteria. The highest value (10.9 mg/L) obtained was in station 11. In this area, two spring outlets along the side of the riverbank was observed free flowing into the river and water at that time was fast flowing. The contribution of spring water and the turbulence of the flow enhanced aeration process and could be the reason for a high value in dissolved oxygen. The value of 5.2 mg/L was obtained in the mouth area. At the time of sampling, the area was fully covered with water hyacinth and

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excavated soil from the on-going construction of a new bridge was dumped on both sides of the river. With this condition, penetration of light could have hindered photosynthesis activity thus resulted to low dissolved oxygen value.

Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L 12

10 May sampling 8 November 6 sampling 4 Class C WQ Min Criteria 2

0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15

Figure 3. Dissolved Oxygen of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

c) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5)

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) is the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms to decompose organic waste in the water. The criterion for Class C water, such as river is 7 average and 10 mg/L maximum. BOD5 value in May ranged from 1 – 6 mg/L while in November value of 1 to 3 mg/L was obtained. The station that obtained the value of 6 mg/L was Station 2. The area is occupied by residential and commercial establishments (wet and dry market). The slight increase in the amount of BOD5 could be due to an increase of decomposing waste and other organic matter washed and brought into the river. All the stations both in May and November sampling passed the criterion for Class C water of 7 (10) mg/L.

Figure 4. Biological Oxygen Demand of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

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d) Nutrient Load

Human activity plays a vital role in the increase of nutrients in the water especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Excess input of nutrients could cause a change in the quality of water. Excess amount of these nutrients enhance growth of algae. Presence of garbage dumped along the sides of the river, agricultural run-off and households sewage directly discharged into the river could contribute to the increase of nutrients and can contribute to high biological oxygen demand (BOD).

The DENR criteria set for nitrate and inorganic phosphate are 10 mg/L and 0.4 mg/L, respectively. In May, nutrient load such as Nitrate (NO3) and Inorganic Phosphate (IPO4) ranged from 0.0929 to 1.47 mg/L and 0.2263 to 0.6331 mg/L, respectively. All stations passed the 10mg/L criterion set for nitrate. The highest amount of nitrate was observed in Station 11 (1.47 mg/L) while the lowest was in Station 5 (0.0929 mg/L). Out of the fifteen (15) stations, seven (7) stations passed the 0.4 mg/L inorganic phosphate criterion set for rivers while eight (8) stations were beyond the criterion. The highest amount of IPO4 obtained was in station 5 (Sta Lucia) with value of 0.6331 mg/L while station 12 (Panglan) obtained the lowest value of 0.0904 mg/L. Stations (Stns 1, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 15) that obtained a value exceeding the criterion were all situated in a residential and farm area. Domestic waste discharged directly into the river and fertilizer runoff could have contributed to the slight increase in IPO4.

In November, a slight change in the amount of NO3 and IPO4 was obtained with values ranging from 0.1498 to 1.5348 mg/L and 0.001 to 0.6258 mg/L, respectively. The amount of nitrate in station 11 obtained the highest value (1.5348 mg/L) while the lowest (0.1498 mg/L) was observed in station 15. Highest value of Inorganic phosphate was 0.6258 mg/L in Stn. 14 while 0.001 mg/L in Stn. 12 was the lowest value. The slight change in the amount of NO3 and IPO4 could be due to an increase in suspended particles (nutrients and planktons) carried out by flush flood during previous rainfall.

Nitrate, mg/L 1.8000 1.6000 1.4000 1.2000 May 1.0000 sampling 0.8000 November sampling 0.6000 0.4000 0.2000 0.0000

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15

Figure 5. Nitrate of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

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Figure 6. Inorganic Phosphate of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

Ammonia is a strong colorless gas and exists in two forms in the water, unionized ammonia (NH3) and ionized ammonia (NH4). The 1999 Update of Ambient WQ Criteria for Ammonia cited that unionized ammonia is the principal form of toxic ammonia and reported toxic to freshwater organisms at concentrations ranging from 0.53 to 22.8 mg/L.

Based on the results obtained, Ammonia (NH3) ranged from 0.0149 to 0.9884 mg/L in May. Eleven (11) stations showed results of below 0.2 mg/L, a concentration that is not critical to freshwater organisms. Plants are more tolerant of ammonia than animals while invertebrates are more tolerant than fishes (EPA Technical Fact Sheet on Ammonia). Unionized ammonia affects the hatching and growth development of fishes depending on the species tolerable limits. Some fishes like trout fry can tolerate up to 0.2 mg/L while striped bass can tolerate up to 1.2 mg/L. The effect may be loss of equilibrium, increase respiratory activity and oxygen uptake (EPA Technical Fact Sheet on Ammonia). Four (4) stations were beyond 0.2 mg/L. The highest value in May was obtained in Station 5 (Sta. Lucia) at 0.9884 mg/L while the lowest value of 0.0149 mg/L was observed in Station 12 (Panglan). Station 5 is situated in a residential area and with a “dam-like” structure controlling the water, diverting part of it to an irrigational canal. The flow of water was very slow to still. Since water is being confined for a period of time, a slight increase in the amount of ammonia could have occurred due to change in pH and temperature. Some study found that toxic levels of ammonia are both pH and temperature dependent (1999 Update of Ambient WQ Criteria for Ammonia). In November, the amount of ammonia ranged from 0.0587 to 0.181 mg/L and was observed in Stations 6 and 13, respectively. All stations showed value of ammonia below 0.2 mg/L.

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 10

Figure 7. Ammonia of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

Given the value of temperature and pH of the water, the concentration of unionized ammonia was computed and presented in Table 3c. Unionized ammonia concentrations of all the stations from both May and November sampling are all below the 1999 Update of Ambient WQ Criteria for Ammonia of 0.53 to 22.8 mg/L.

Table 3c. Computed unionized ammonia per station (May and November).

Unionized UnionizedUnionized UnionizedUnionized Unionized Ammonia, mg/L Ammonia,Ammonia, mg/L mg/L Ammonia,Ammonia, mg/L mg/L Ammonia, mg/L

(November) (November)(May) (November)(May) (May) Station LocationStation LocationStation Location Station 1 MouthStation (Sta. 1 Cruz) MouthStation (Sta. 10.00483 Cruz) Mouth (Sta.0.000770.00483 Cruz) 0.004830.00077 0.00077 Station 2 BrgyStation Sto Angel 2 BrgyStation Sto 2 Angel0.00180 Brgy Sto Angel0.000260.00180 0.001800.00026 0.00026 Station 3 BrgyStation Pagsawitan 3 BrgyStation Pagsawitan 30.01273 Brgy Pagsawitan0.000340.01273 0.012730.00034 0.00034 Station 4 BrgyStation Calumpang 4 LiliwBrgyStation Calumpang 40.00410 Liliw Brgy Calumpang0.000520.00410 Liliw 0.004100.00052 0.00052 Station 5 Sta.Station Lucia 5 Sta.Station Lucia 50.07580 Sta. Lucia 0.000260.07580 0.075800.00026 0.00026 Station 6 BrgyStation Bancoro 6 BrgyStation Bancoro 60.00897 Brgy Bancoro0.000820.00897 0.008970.00082 0.00082 Station 7 BrgyStation Palina 7 BrgyStation Palina 70.00128 Brgy Palina0.00018 0.00128 0.001280.00018 0.00018 Station 8 BrgyStation Balinacon 8 StationBrgy Balinacon 80.00132 Brgy Balinacon0.000150.00132 0.001320.00015 0.00015 Station 9 SanStation Francisco 9 SanStation Francisco 90.00074 San Francisco0.000030.00074 0.000740.00003 0.00003

Station 10 BrgyStation Pook 10 BrgyStation Pook 100.00772 Brgy Pook 0.000150.00772 0.007720.00015 0.00015

Station 11 BrgyStation Laguan 11 BrgyStation Laguan 110.00075 Brgy Laguan0.000200.00075 0.000750.00020 0.00020

Station 12 BrgyStation Pang lan12 BrgyStation Pang 120.00201lan Brgy Panglan0.000130.00201 0.002010.00013 0.00013 Station 13 BrgyStation San Roque 13 BrgyStation San 13 0.01120Roque Brgy San Roque0.000240.01120 0.011200.00024 0.00024 Station 14 BrgyStation Palayan 14 BrgyStation Palayan 140.00318 Brgy Palayan0.000460.00318 0.003180.00046 0.00046 Station 15 BrgyStation 15 BrgyStation Cabuyao 150.00469 Brgy Cabuyao0.000230.00469 0.004690.00023 0.00023

e) Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Solids and Total Solids

Suspended solids are solid particles, which may be organic and inorganic, usually suspended in the water. These include silts, plankton and industrial and/or domestic waste. The presence of suspended

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solids/particles in the water could affect the light penetration permanently or seasonal and also have an impact in the water quality. Total suspended solids ranged from <1 to 11 mg/L in May and <1 to 26 mg/L in November. The lowest value (<1 mg/L) was observed in two stations (Stns. 12 and 13) while the highest value (11 mg/L) was obtained in two stations (Stns.5 and 7) during May sampling. In November, two stations (Stns.9 and 12) obtained a value of <1 mg/L while the value of 26 mg/L was observed in Station 14.

Total Suspended Solids, mg/L 30

25

20 May sampling

15

November 10 sampling

5

0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15

Figure 8. Total Suspended Solids of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

Total Dissolved Solids are the total amount of mobile charged ions, including minerals, salts or metals dissolved in the water, expressed in units of mg/L. Like suspended particles they also affect the quality of the water, density differences produced by stratification that may be permanent, transient or seasonal.

The amount of total dissolved solids in wet season ranged from 132 to 254 mg/L. The highest value was obtained in Station 14 (Palayan) while the lowest value in Station 12 (Panglan). The increase in the amount of dissolved solids could be due to soil/agricultural runoff from rice farming present in the area (Station 14). During the dry season, the amount of dissolved solids ranged from 79 to 241 mg/L. The highest value was obtained in Stations 5 and 10 (Sta Lucia and Pook) while the lowest was still obtained in Station 12 (Panglan). Stations 5 and 10 are both situated in a thickly populated area and with a dam structure where the water was being confined for irrigation and fishpond purposes.

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Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L 300

250

200 May Sampling 150 November 100 Sampling

50

0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15

Figure 9. Total Dissolved Solids of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

Total Solids is a measure of all the suspended colloidal and dissolved particles in the water. This includes dissolved salts, silts and plankton. Soil erosion and agricultural runoff (fertilizer, suspended particles, etc.) are both contributors of solids in the water. The amount of Total Solids ranged from 132 to 263 mg/L in May while in November the amount ranged from 79 to 256 mg/L. The highest values of 263 and 256 mg/L were obtained in Station 14 (Palayan) in May and Station 5 (Sta Lucia) in November sampling, respectively. Station 12 (Panglan) obtained the lowest values of 132 and 79 mg/L during May and November, respectively.

Station 12 is situated in descending slopes and water flows freely flushing solid particles downstream while Station 14 is situated in an agricultural area where soil erosion from rice paddies could have contributed to the amount of particles in the water.

Total Solids, mg/L 300

250

200

May sampling 150 November 100 sampling

50

0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15 Figure 10. Total Solids of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

f) Turbidity

Turbidity is a measure of the degree in which the water loses its transparency due to the presence of suspended particulates. It also

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expresses the clarity of the water. Turbidity increases as a result of suspended solids in the water such as clay, silt or even microorganisms like plankton, which interferes with the transmission of light, reduces photosynthetic activity, and hence contributes in the decline in the productivity of a water body. Turbidity value expressed in NTU ranged from <1 to 13 in May and <1 to 16 in November. Both low values obtained during the wet and dry season were observed in Station 9 (San Francisco) while both high values (wet and dry) were obtained in Station 3 (Pagsawitan). The presence of clear spring water in Station 9 contributes to the clarity of water.

Turbidity, NTU 18 16 14 12 May sampling 10 November 8 sampling 6 4 2 0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15

Figure 11. Turbidity of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

g) Other Chemical Parameters

Chloride is a useful and reliable chemical indicator of river/groundwater fecal contamination as chloride is a non-reactive solute and ubiquitous to sewage and potable water. The criterion value for chloride is 350 mg/L for Class C waters. Chloride value ranged from 11 to 37 mg/L in May and 7 to 15 mg/L in November. All values are below the criterion for Class C waters.

Chloride, mg/L 400

350

300

250 May sampling 200 November sampling 150 Class C WQ Max Criteria 100

50

0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15

Figure 12. Chloride of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

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Conductivity indicates the presence of ions capable to conduct electricity. High conductivity is an indicator of total dissolved solids and salinity. It is an indirect measure of water salinity and one of the most common and convenient methods used to test water. It is significantly affected by temperature and strongly dependent upon the ionic composition of water. Conductivity values obtained at Santa Cruz river range from 114 to 372 S/cm in May while 49 to 238 S/cm in November. The highest value was obtained in Station14 (Palayan) and Station 11 (Laguan), 372 and 238 S/cm, for May and November sampling, respectively. The lowest value of 114 and 49 S/cm for both sampling (May and November) was observed in Station 12 (Panglan).

Conductivity, µS/cm 400

350

300

250 May 200 sampling November 150 sampling 100

50

0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15 Figure 13. Conductivity of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

Dissolved and emulsified oil and grease is extracted from water by intimate contact with an extracting solvent. The criteria set for oil and grease for Class C water is 2 mg/L. Oil and grease values during May sampling showed a slight increase in six (6) stations ranging from 3 to 4 mg/L. The following stations with a slight increase in oil and grease were Stations 1, 6, 7, 8, 14 and 15. The slight increase in value could be due to run-off and other domestic waste dumped along the sides and or carried into the water. The amount of oil and grease during November ranged from <1 to 2 mg/L. All stations passed the criterion for Class C waters.

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Oil and Grease, mg/L 4.5 4 3.5 May sampling 3

2.5 November 2 sampling 1.5 Class C WQ Max Criteria 1 0.5 0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15 Figure 14. Oil and Grease of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

Alkalinity is a measure of the amount of carbonates and bicarbonates in water. Alkalinity is considered as the key to water balance. The values of alkalinity during May sampling ranged from 48 to 156 mgCaCO3/L while November sampling ranged from 40 to 136 mgCaCO3/L. The highest values of 156 and 136 mgCaCO3/L was obtained in Station 5 in May and Station 6 in November while the lowest value of 48 and 40 mgCaCO3/L were both obtained in Station 12 (Panglan) in May and November sampling, respectively.

Alkalinity, mg CaCO3/L 180 160 140 120 100 May sampling 80 November 60 sampling 40 20 0

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9 Station 10Station 11Station 12Station 13Station 14Station 15 Figure 15. Alkalinity of Santa Cruz River (May and November Sampling)

2. Biological Analyses

Biological parameters are widely used in assessing the quality of water of a stream/river and lakes. They are a good indicator of water quality because they are directly affected by the sudden change in the ecosystem. Their composition and abundance depend on the environmental condition they thrive in. Biological parameters such as, aquatic flora and fauna are useful indicators of good water quality. Below are the results of the biological analyses obtained in the samples collected in May and November.

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a) Phytoplankton

Algae are unicellular organisms or microscopic plants that play as the primary consumer in the food web of an ecosystem. Aquatic organisms such as zooplankton, small animals, fishes and other aquatic animals depend on aquatic plants to survive. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of algae are useful tool in assessing water quality of rivers, since these organisms can be found attached to stones or plants or settled at the bottom. A sudden change in the quality of the water will directly affect growth and composition of algae. The water quality was assessed according to the percentage value of the indicator species identified (Table 4a and 4b). Species of algae are classified as to clean water or polluted water indicator. As shown in Table 4a, the stations in May sampling were classified as moderately polluted to polluted waters while in November one station was classified as relatively clean water and the rest of the stations classified as moderately polluted to polluted.

Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of algae, results showed that 21 genera of algae were identified in May while 17 genera in November. The most diverse group of algae was mostly diatoms (pennate type) found almost in all stations. Of the 15 established stations, four (4) stations were classified as moderately polluted and eleven (11) stations as polluted in May while in November, one (1) station was classified as relatively clean, four (4) stations as moderately polluted and ten (10) stations as polluted. In May, stations classified as moderately polluted were Stations 12, 9, 3 and 1. Station 11 showed a 100% polluted, based on the percentage organisms identified. In November, Station 9 was classified as relatively clean with a percentage value of 72.7% of the total counts. Clean water organisms comprised of 3 genera namely; Cocconeis sp., Navicula sp. and Pinnularia sp. Of the clean water algae, Navicula sp. was the most common species identified. Clean water algae were also found present in moderately polluted station, however, percentage occurrence were minimal compared to polluted water organisms. Polluted water organisms comprised of 4 genera namely; Oscillatoria sp., Nitzschia sp., Gomphonema sp. and Spirogyra sp. Other species of algae were also identified and occur in numbers. Pennate group of diatoms dominate the other species identified. Achnanthes sp., Amphora sp., Cymbella sp., Diploneis sp., Synedra sp., Stauroneis sp., Stephanodiscus sp. etc. were among the species of algae identified that falls under other species.

b) Benthos

Organisms thriving in the riverbed or attached to sediments, rocks and plants are commonly known as benthic fauna. This group has a wide range of species that are considered as residents of an ecosystem. Benthos population and its percentage contribution for both May and November sampling were presented in Table 5a and 5b.

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In May, water quality assessment based on benthos analysis showed that 5 stations of the tributaries and Santa Cruz mainstream stations 1, 2 and 3 were classified as moderately polluted. Two stations of the tributaries (Stns. 9 and 10) were classified as polluted while 4 stations (Stns. 7, 8, 12 and 14) in the tributaries and 1 station (Stn. 4) in the mainstream were assessed as clean. Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of benthos, about 45 individuals were identified during May sampling. The most diverse group is Class Insecta. Others such as gastropods, crustaceans and fishes were also found present. Laguan (Stn.11) and Pagsawitan (Stn. 3) were the two stations both found most diverse in number of individuals identified. Thiara sp., a gastropod, dominated the counts in Stations 2 (Sto. Angel) and 6 (Bancoro) with values of 2521 and 1211 individuals, respectively. Thiara sp. is an indicator of moderately polluted water and it is capable of carrying some gas exchange in most part of the bodies aside from the gills. Aside from the characteristic of the organisms, the condition of the water and its sediment could favor the proliferation of this organism tolerant to slight pollution.

During the November sampling, benthic analysis showed that eight (8) stations were classified as clean, six (6) stations as moderately polluted and one (1) station as polluted. The water condition on the eight (8) stations was fast flowing and the river width is much wider than the rest of the stations carrying solid materials/waste easily towards downstream. The presence of big rocks and boulders on the riverbed could also help in the turbulence and aeration of the water. The most dominant species identified was a gastropod, Thiara sp. with values ranging from 508 to 904 individuals. Other species present were Corbicula sp. and Viviparus sp., both of which were observed along the downstream area (Stations 1 and 2). One (1) station (Stn. 6) was classified as polluted. The polluted organisms identified were mostly chironomid larvae and pupae but minimal in counts. Other dipterans and Physa sp. were also found present.

3. Microbiological Analyses

The Microbiological characteristic or microbiological component of a water body expressed in Most Probable Number (MPN) could be used as an index of the presence of coliform group. This group is a useful indicator of the degree of pollution and whether water is fit or unfit for recreation and other beneficial use. E. coli is a kind of bacteria most common in human and animal waste. For Class C waters, the criterion for total coliform is 5000 MPN/100 ml.

Result shows that E. coli detection appeared to be present in most of the stations during the May sampling (Table 6). There were four (4) stations (Stations 6, 7, 8 and 9) that conformed to the criteria for total coliform, ranging from <20 to 5000 MPN/100 ml. Station 9 obtained a value of less than 20 MPN/100 ml in May sampling and showed no

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detection of E. coli. The upper portion of the river was dried and water was only observed present at the lower portion (Stations picture 9c & 9d). The water condition at the time of sampling was fast flowing and very cold that comes out underneath the stones and flows freely into the lower portion of the river. Residents said that spring water outlet is present in the area. Since water comes from spring outlet and observed clear, residents use it for washing, bathing and other domestic purposes. In May, eleven stations (Stations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15) did not conform to the criteria of 5000 MPN/100 ml. The total coliform values obtained in the eleven stations ranged from 8,000 to 160,000 MPN/100 ml. The highest value of detection was observed in Stations 3 and 13, respectively. The area in Station 3 was thickly populated (residential) while the presence of birds nesting under the bridge including its excretes seen along the bridge and on stones in the river was observed in Station 13. The effect of animal waste/excretes could have increased the bacterial content in the water.

In November, high values of total coliform ranged from 330 to 240,000 MPN/100 ml. Station 13 obtained the highest value of 240,000 MPN/100 ml while the lowest value was detected in Station 9. The station that obtained high coliforms counts was within thickly populated area (residential). In Station 9, the presence of water in the main canal was observed, which then overflowed into the lower portion of the river mixing with the water coming from the spring outlet. The excessive water could be due to the previous rains experienced during the weekend, where it drained and flowed into the river. Microbiological result showed a value of 330 MPN/100 ml of coliform counts in Station 9. However, the minimal amount was within the criteria for Class C waters. The runoff water that mixed with the water in the lower portion could have introduced microorganisms in the water.

Fecal coliform values ranged from <20 to 160,000 MPN/100ml and 170 to 240,000 MPN/100ml in May and November, respectively. Station 9 was detected with lowest value of <20 MPN/100ml and 170 MPN/100ml, in May and November, respectively.

Based on the values obtained for microbiological analysis and the E. coli detection, the water in all stations are not fit for domestic use except in station 9 which is within the criterion for Class C waters.

Conclusion

Santa Cruz River was assessed based on the biological, bacteriological and physico- chemical parameters collected during May and November sampling. The dissolved oxygen of the water meets the criterion of Class C waters in May and November sampling. The moderate to fast flow on the whole stretch of the river including its tributaries helps in aerating the water thus, increasing its oxygen content. The pH value meets the criterion for Class C waters except in Station 9, which obtained a

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 19 slight increase due to the mixed rain and spring water. All stations conformed with the BOD5 criterion set at 7 to 10 mg/L for Class C waters. Although BOD5 showed slightly higher values in May (1 to 6 mg/L) compared to November (1 to 3 mg/L). Other chemical parameters showed a slight increase during November due to a previous rainstorm. The unionized ammonia computed based on the pH and temperature values showed that all stations were below 0.2 mg/L, which is not critical to freshwater organisms. The total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total solids (TS) obtained a slight increase in November compared to May sampling. Oil and grease ranged from 3 to 4 mg/L in May while <1 to 2 in November.

Water quality assessment of Santa Cruz River based on algal population showed that four (4) stations were classified as moderately polluted and eleven stations (11) as polluted during the May sampling. In November sampling, one (1) station was classified as clean, four (4) stations as moderately polluted and ten (10) stations as polluted.

Based on benthic fauna, in May sampling five (5) stations were classified as clean, eight (8) as moderately polluted and two (2) as polluted while in November sampling eight (8) stations were classified as clean, six (6) stations as moderately polluted and one (1) station classified as polluted.

Microbiological results showed that total coliform ranged from <20 to 160,000 MPN/100 ml in May while 330 to 240,000 MPN/100 ml in November. E. coli bacteria were detected in all stations. Fecal coliform ranged from <20 to 160,000 MPN/ml in May while in November an increase in number ranging from 170 to 240,000 MPN/100 ml was observed.

The stretch of Santa Cruz River and its tributaries do not have any treatment facility that will help in controlling polluted water into Laguna de Bay. Santa Cruz River may have also relied on self-purification process, a process of sedimentation of suspended solids and oxidation of soluble materials before discharging into Laguna de Bay. The water condition of Santa Cruz river and its tributaries up to station 4 (Calumpang) were all fast flowing, a condition which has turbulence of aerating the water and at the same time oxidation of soluble particles/waste before going downstream and into the lake. However, in station 3 up to the mouth area, sedimentation of suspended solids could occur due to very slow flow and still condition of water.

The “adopt-a-river” program of LLDA began last 2011 and continuously implemented throughout. The main stretch of Santa Cruz River was adopted by the 5 Local Government Units last 5 March 2012 (MOA signing) while its minor tributaries were adopted by group of organizations and establishments within the vicinity of the river banks. The project had implemented programs such as tree planting along the riverbanks and river clean-up activities.

Recommendation

In rehabilitating a river system, physical survey of the whole stretch of the river is required to help in the identification of point sources. Its land uses and the bio- physical structure of its sub-basins are also needed in the planning preparation to help

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 20 identify other contributing factors of pollution. Participatory planning by government agencies, LGU’s, NGO and civic organization is very important.

Information/Educational/Communication campaign on the condition or state of the river will help protect and rehabilitate the river. The “adopt-a-river” campaign/project by any organization must be properly programmed and implemented. The River Councils (RC-1999 Board Resolution #114) in every river system must be revived or strengthened.

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References

 Madamba, L.S., Galapate, R.P., Decena A.M. and Casunuran, V.B. 1992. Pollution Load Contribution of Santa Cruz River to Laguna de Bay. Phil. Journal of Science. Vol .121 (2).  Cooper, A.E., Cooper, E.A. and Howard J.A. 1919. On The Self- Purification of Rivers and Streams. Biochem. Journal Vol. 13 (4).  Standard Method for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. 21st Edition.  www.water-research.net/watershed/ammonia.htm. EPA Technical Fact Sheet on Ammonia. 1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia.  WEPA 1996. LLDA River Rehabilitation Program.  Wikipedia (free encyclopedia) Santa Cruz, Laguna Reference Comprehensive Land Use Plan Santa Cruz Laguna Planning Period 2000 – 2010 Prepared by the Municipal Planning and Development Staff (2000).

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Tables and Figures

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Table 2a.1. General Observation and Description of Sampling Stations Santa Cruz River (May Sampling)

Calumpang Sto Angel (Sta Cruz, Pagsawitan Sta Lucia Stations Mouth of Sta Cruz river (Liliw/Nagcarlan, Laguna) (Sta Cruz, Laguna) (Nagcarlan, Laguna) Laguna)

Station Number 1 2 3 4 5 Date 18 May 2011 18 May 2011 18 May 2011 17 May 2011 17 May 2011 Time 12:41 NN 12:15:00 NN 11:45 AM 12:20:00 NN 12:35 NN GPS Reading P 0327797 P 0328548 P 0329736 P 0328151 P 0328152 1580793 1579893 1577880 1568855 1568680 Water Condition slow flow very slow flow moderately flowing fast flowing very slow flow to still Air Temperature (oC) 31 30 29 32 31 Water Temperature (oC) 30 27 27 27 24 Color green green greenish greenish greenish Nature of River Bed sandy/muddy sandy/muddy sandy sandy sandy/muddy Weather Condition sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny Other Observations presence of water patches of water hyacinth, washing and bathing area, washing/bathing area, river water controlled by a hyacinth on both sides, concrete river banks, garbage, dried dried leaves/twigs on both "dam-like structure" duck raising along the residential and leaves/branches and dead sides, fist to head size (reservoir) diverted to shores, sand quarrying, commercial area (waste animals floating on the stones with few boulders, irrigational canal, fishing area, residential discharged directly into water surface, fishing area river width approx. 30-40 residential area (waste area (waste discharged the river), presence of (big knifefish caught m and water depth ~ <2 discharged directly into directly into the river), river garbage, river width during sampling using m. the river), river banks width approx. 20 m and approx. 20 m and water hook and line), river width planted with water depth ~ 2 m. depth ~ 2 m. approx. 20 m and water trees/bamboos & dried depth <2 m. leaves/twigs carried out into the river, bathing and washing, garbage on both sides, small fishes seen in the reservoir, river width approx. 7 m and water depth ~ <1 ft (deeper in the reservoir).

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Table 2a.2. General Observation and Description of Sampling Stations Santa Cruz River (May Sampling)

Brgy. Bancoro Brgy. Palina (Liliw, Brgy. Balinacon Brgy. San Francisco Brgy. Pook (Rizal, Stations (Nagcarlan, Laguna) Laguna) (Nagcarlan, Laguna) (Nagcarlan, Laguna) Laguna)

Station Number 6 7 8 9 10 Date 17 May 2011 17 May 2011 17 May 2011 17 May 2011 17 May 2011 Time 12:05 NN GPS Reading P 0328464 P 0329238 P 0329270 P 0329720 P 0327773 1567064 1563630 1563038 1560074 1560676 Water Condition fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing Air Temperature (oC) 30 27 30 25 27 Water Temperature (oC) 25 24 24 21 24 Color greenish greenish greenish clear greenish Nature of River Bed sandy sandy sandy sandy sandy Weather Condition sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny Other Observations residential area, area with boulders, stones residential area, presence residential area, water residential area (waste bathing/washing/fishing fist to head size, of boulders, fist to head don’t passed thru the discharged directly into area, river width approx. 8 vegetation on both sides, size stones, water main river channel comes the river), part of the water m and water depth ~ <2 grasses and trees near controlled by a dam-like out beneath the stones diverted into the fishpond m. the banks, low river structure used for diving (river pass the channel with Tilapia sp., both sides banks, river width approx. and swimming, during heavy rains), used concrete as irrigational 10 m and water depth ~ bathing/washing area, as laundry area, trees canal, fist to head size <1 m. river width approx. 8 m /bamboos on both sides stones, river width approx. and water depth ~ <1 m. of the banks, plenty of 2 m and water depth ~ <1 dried leaves/branches m. after the washing area, river width approx. 1-2 m and water depth ~ <1 m.

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Table 2a.3. General Observation and Description of Sampling Stations Santa Cruz River (May Sampling)

Brgy. Laguan Brgy. Panglan Brgy. Ibabang San Brgy. Palayan Brgy. Cabuyew (Liliw, Stations (Nagcarlan, Laguna) (, Laguna) Roque (Liliw, Laguna) (Nagcarlan, Laguna) Laguna)

Station Number 11 12 13 14 15 Date 17 May 2011 18 May 2011 18 May 2011 17 May 2011 18 May 2011 Time 10:10 AM 9:48 AM 10:10 AM 8:40 AM 9:03 AM GPS Reading P 0326441 P 0332779 P 0332430 P 0327511 P 0328852 1561843 1563381 1563198 1563348 1566677 Water Condition fast flowing fast flowing moderately flowing moderately flowing fast flowing Air Temperature (oC) 29 29 28 20 29 Water Temperature (oC) 24 23 24 22 25 Color greenish clear brownish clear greenish brown Nature of River Bed sandy sandy sandy sandy sandy Weather Condition sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny Other Observations high river banks, pasture water controlled by big residential area (waste residential area, fist to few residential, vegetation area (goats/rooster farm), boulders forming different discharged directly into head size stones, few on one side (kangkong, few residential, fist to sizes of pools used as the river), fist to head siz boulders, trees/bamboos grasses), fist to head size head size stones, dried swimming/diving area, stone with few boulders, on both sides, dried stones with medium size leaves/branches on the picnic area, washing area, too many birds (locally leaves/branches present, boulders, presence of fish water surface and sides, presence of garbage called as "layang-layang") water on one sides with fry seen near the shore, river width approx. 4 m (snack wrappers etc. from flying under the bridge water strider insect presence of water strider and water depth ~ 1 m. outings), trees/bamboos causing lots of excrete (Gerris sp .), river width (Gerris sp .) on surface, on both sides, river width seen on stones and sides approx. 4 m and water river width approx. 10 m approx. 10-12 m and of the river, river width depth ~ 1 ft. and water depth ~ <1 m. water depth ~ <2 m approx. 1-2 m and water (deeper inside the pools). depth ~ <1 ft.

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Table 2b.1.General Observation and Description of Sampling Stations Santa Cruz River (November Sampling)

Calumpang Sto Angel (Sta Pagsawitan Sta Lucia Stations Mouth of Sta Cruz river (Liliw/Nagcarlan, Cruz, Laguna) (Sta Cruz, Laguna) (Nagcarlan, Laguna) Laguna)

Station Number 1 2 3 4 5 Date 28 Nov. 2011 28 Nov. 2011 28 Nov. 2011 28 Nov. 2011 28 Nov. 2011 Time 11:05 AM 11:30 AM 11:51 AM 12:15 NN 12:38 NN GPS Reading P 0327797 P 0328548 P 0329736 P 0328151 P 0328152 1580793 1579893 1577880 1568855 1568680 Water Condition standing very slow flow slow flow fast flowing moderately flowing Air Temperature (oC) 29 30 29 27 30 Water Temperature (oC) 27 27 26 27 27 Color greenish greenish greenish brown greenish grayish green Nature of River Bed sandy/muddy sandy/muddy sandy sandy sandy/muddy Weather Condition sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny Other Observations fully covered w/ water transport area/used as kangkong & other high water level boulders some water from the hyacinth, construction of passage for people going to vegetation,slight increase no longer seen, grassy reservoir diverted to bridge on-going, high the other side of the river, in water width, garbage on area, water diverted into irrigational canal, dried water level, residential high water level, few sides high water level, irrigational canal, leaves & branches on garbage, no water hyacinth, area waste discharged residential area. residential area. sides, grassy/vines residential and commercial directly into the river. area waste directly present on river banks, discharged into the river, residential area. port for motorized boat used for dredging.

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Table 2b.2. General Observation and Description of Sampling Stations Santa Cruz River (November Sampling)

Brgy. Bancoro Brgy. Palina (Liliw, Brgy. Balinacon Brgy. San Francisco Brgy. Pook (Rizal, Stations (Nagcarlan, Laguna) Laguna) (Nagcarlan, Laguna) (Nagcarlan, Laguna) Laguna)

Station Number 6 7 8 9 10 Date 28 Nov. 2011 28 Nov. 2011 24 Nov. 2011 24 Nov. 2011 24 Nov. 2011 Time 12:55 NN 1:08 PM 11:59 AM 11:30 AM 10:00 AM GPS Reading P 0328464 P 0329238 P 0329270 P 0329720 P 0327773 1567064 1563630 1563038 1560074 1560676 Water Condition fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing Air Temperature (oC) 31 30 23 23 24 Water Temperature (oC) 27 26 22 22 24 Color clear clear clear clear clear Nature of River Bed sandy sandy sandy sandy sandy Weather Condition sunny sunny cloudy cloudy cloudy Other Observations dried bamboo poles & grassy area, high water no garbage, a slight water flows from the vines covering some leaves on sides, wider level, boulders no longer increase in water level. tunnel and under the areas, flowpipe for the range river width, high seen, fishing activity on Residential area, river boulders, washing area, fishpond water still water level, residential other sides. water used for dried leaves, an increase collecting water from the area. bathing/washing. in water level, residential canal/river, garbage on area. sides & water surface, residential area.

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Table 2b.3. General Observation and Description of Sampling Stations Santa Cruz River (November Sampling)

Brgy. Laguan Brgy. Panglan Brgy. Ibabang San Brgy. Palayan Brgy. Cabuyew (Liliw, Stations (Nagcarlan, Laguna) (Majayjay, Laguna) Roque (Liliw, Laguna) (Nagcarlan, Laguna) Laguna)

Station Number 11 12 13 14 15 Date 24 Nov. 2011 28 Nov. 2011 28 Nov. 2011 24 Nov. 2011 28 Nov. 2011 Time 10:15 AM 3:25 PM 3:15 AM 12:15 NN 2:30 PM GPS Reading P 0326441 P 0332779 P 0332430 P 0327511 P 0328852 1561843 1563381 1563198 1563348 1566677 Water Condition fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing fast flowing Air Temperature (oC) 25 26 28 25 28 Water Temperature (oC) 23 23 26 24 26 Color clear/greenish clear clear greenish clear Nature of River Bed sandy sandy sandy sandy sandy Weather Condition sunny to partly cloudy sunny sunny cloudy w/ rainshowers sunny Other Observations leaves/bamboo poles area for picnic, water used residential area, domestic w/ garbage on sides, high water level, fishing along the center of the for bathing and washing waste directly discharged residential area, dried activity by hook and line, river, bulk of dried leaves, clothes, some area into the river, absence of leaves on sides. few kangkong on sides, water depth high, converted on pools for birds, trees on sides, high boulders no longer seen, grassy/vines along the swimming/diving, water level. water strider (Gerris sp .) sides, left side of the river residential and resort present on sides, bank goat/rooster farm, 2 area. grassy/cogon on both outlet/pipes of spring sides of the river banks. water flow into the river.

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Table 3a. Physico-Chemical Parameters of Santa Cruz River (May 2011)

DENR Class C Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6 Station 7 Station 8 Station 9 Station 10 Station 11 Station 12 Station 13 Station 14 Station 15 WQ Criteria pH, units 6.5 6.6 6.8 7.0 6.8 7.4 6.7 6.4 5.8 6.5 6.7 6.5 6.4 7.0 6.8 6.5 - 8.5 Total Suspended Solids, mg/L 4 8 8 5 11 6 11 10 1 7 9 0.5 0.5 9 7 <30 (increase) Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L 230 222 216 192 237 241 145 148 149 221 228 132 183 254 173 1000 Total Solids, mg/L 234 230 224 197 248 247 156 158 150 228 237 132 183 263 180 Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L 20 26 20 12 27 8 12 12 8 8 16 16 20 14 24 Biochemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L 4 6 3 1 5 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 4 2 4 10 Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L 5.4 6.2 6.9 7.6 5 8.3 8 8 7.2 7.2 7.5 8.3 6 7.7 7.8 5(minimum) Oil/Grease, mg/L 3 2 2 2 2 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 2 Ammonia, mg/L 0.2993 0.0709 0.4302 0.0291 0.9884 0.0364 0.0223 0.0302 0.1620 0.4700 0.0248 0.0149 0.7441 0.0412 0.0818 Nitrate, mg/L 0.5808 0.6448 0.6611 0.9938 0.0929 0.7669 1.0124 1.0304 1.0870 1.4144 1.4700 0.6029 0.6907 0.4094 1.0298 10 Inorganic Phosphate, mg/L 0.418 0.3664 0.3199 0.4271 0.6331 0.3741 0.2263 0.2295 0.5027 0.4007 0.4092 0.0904 0.5134 0.2584 0.4206 0.4 Total Phosphorus, mg/L 0.622 0.5307 0.397 0.546 1.003 0.3792 0.2376 0.2295 0.5027 0.4656 0.4918 1.2544 0.7294 0.2584 0.6018 Total Nitrogen, mg/L 6.6 5 6 3.7 8 3.5 4.6 3.7 6.1 4.6 5.4 4.1 5.8 3.8 4.8 Chloride, mg/L 19 19 19 15 15 15 11 11 11 11 11 15 11 37 11 350 Alkalinity, mg/L 132 124 120 100 156 136 64 60 52 116 116 48 80 108 84 Calcium Hardness, mg/L 48 48 44 36 56 44 28 24 16 40 32 20 32 48 32 Total Hardness, mg/L 108 104 96 80 128 116 52 44 44 92 96 32 60 100 64 Turbidity, NTU 7 7 13 5 6 4 2 2 <1 1 2 1 3 2 6 Conductivity µS/cm 331 312 292 246 361 337 159 152 150 288 298 114 192 372 192

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Table 3b. Physico-Chemical Parameters of Santa Cruz River (November 2011)

DENR Class C Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6 Station 7 Station 8 Station 9 Station 10 Station 11 Station 12 Station 13 Station 14 Station 15 WQ Criteria pH, units 7.4 7.6 7.7 8.4 7 7.6 8.7 8 7 7.5 7.8 8.2 7.8 8.2 7.5 6.5 - 8.5 Total Suspended Solids, mg/L 14 11 21 10 15 11 7 8 0.5 10 11 0.5 7 26 11 <30 (increase) Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L 150 154 169 184 241 235 156 151 159 241 229 79 132 218 154 1000 Total Solids, mg/L 180 230 224 197 248 247 156 158 150 228 237 132 183 263 180 Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L 52 4 2 12 2 2 24 12 4 2 16 2 2 2 2 Biochemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L 3 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 3 2 10 Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L 5.2 6.7 7.6 7.4 7.5 7.9 7.8 6.8 8.1 7.2 10.9 8 7.1 7.6 7.5 5(minimum) Oil/Grease, mg/L 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 2 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 2 Ammonia, mg/L 0.1532 0.1005 0.0840 0.0805 0.0785 0.0587 0.0676 0.1116 0.1110 0.0874 0.0753 0.0831 0.1810 0.1014 0.0644 Nitrate, mg/L 0.9586 0.7421 0.9630 0.9093 0.5722 0.8676 1.3254 1.2670 1.2738 1.5224 1.5348 0.5062 0.3161 1.1041 0.1498 10 Inorganic Phosphate, mg/L 0.2375 0.2304 0.2205 0.323 0.2336 0.3211 0.1767 0.1673 0.3847 0.373 0.3528 0.001 0.0988 0.6258 0.3489 0.4 Total Phosphorus, mg/L 0.4102 0.29 0.3118 0.4548 0.3072 0.3211 0.9164 0.2216 0.408 0.3732 0.4244 0.055 0.3718 0.3818 0.3888 Total Nitrogen, mg/L 5 5 5.9 3.9 7.9 3.6 4.5 3.5 6 4.5 5 4.6 5.9 3.5 5 Chloride, mg/L 15 15 11 11 7 15 11 7 11 11 11 7 11 11 11 350 Alkalinity, mg/L 80 80 84 96 132 136 64 56 56 108 108 40 64 92 76 Calcium Hardness, mg/L 52 44 56 28 56 44 32 28 16 44 52 24 28 48 24 Total Hardness, mg/L 68 64 68 84 116 112 60 56 52 96 92 28 80 84 64 Turbidity, NTU 13 13 16 5 11 4 2 2 <1 1 3 1 4 9 4 Conductivity µS/cm 144 148 154 165 230 237 117 128 128 232 238 49 112 202 134

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Table 4a. Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River and tributary based on Algal population (May 2011).

Stations Location Counts (organism/sq.m.) % Contribution Water Quality CWA PWA OTHERS TOTAL % CWA % PWA % OTHERS Assessment Mainstream 1 mouth of Sta Cruz 0 2325 11628 13953 0.0 16.7 83.3 Moderately Polluted 2 Brgy. Sto Angel, Sta Cruz 5550 73252 19979 98781 5.6 74.2 20.2 Polluted 3 Brgy. Pagsawitan, Sta Cruz 789 5526 13420 19735 4.0 28.0 68.0 Moderately Polluted 4 Brgy. Calumpang, Nagcarlan 5167 9472 5167 19806 26.1 47.8 26.1 Polluted Tributaries 5 Brgy. Sta Lucia, Nagcarlan 2870 10047 3590 16507 17.4 60.9 21.7 Polluted 6 Brgy. Bancoro, Nagcarlan 26049 137353 71834 235236 11.1 58.4 30.5 Polluted 7 Brgy. Palina, Liliw 29207 79727 22103 131037 22.3 60.8 16.9 Polluted 8 Brgy. Balinacon, Nagcarlan 2476 10729 0 13205 18.8 81.2 0.0 Polluted 9 Brgy. San Francisco, Nagcarlan 1651 825 4952 7428 22.2 11.1 66.7 Moderately Polluted 10 Brgy. Pook, Rizal 8181 31359 6135 45675 17.9 68.7 13.4 Polluted 11 Brgy. Laguan, Nagcarlan 0 897 0 897 0.0 100.0 0.0 Polluted 12 Brgy. Panglan, Majayjay 2583 3444 0 6027 42.9 57.1 0.0 Moderately Polluted 13 Brgy. Ibabang San Roque, Liliw 1651 14854 9903 26408 6.3 56.2 37.5 Polluted 14 Brgy. Palayan, Nagcarlan 4485 19734 8970 33189 13.5 59.5 27.0 Polluted 15 Brgy. Cabuyew, Liliw 27125 77610 30892 135627 20.0 57.2 22.8 Polluted

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 32

Table 4b. Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River and tributary based on Algal population (November 2011).

Stations Location Counts (organism/sq.m.) % Contribution Water Quality CWA PWA OTHERS TOTAL % CWA % PWA % OTHERS Assessment Mainstream 1 Mouth of Sta Cruz 0 10941 2432 13373 0.0 81.8 18.2 Polluted 2 Brgy. Sto Angel, Sta Cruz 1110 2220 6660 9990 11.1 22.2 66.7 Moderately Polluted 3 Brgy. Pagsawitan, Sta Cruz 1110 1110 0 2220 50.0 50.0 0.0 Moderately Polluted 4 Brgy. Calumpang, Nagcarlan 1579 1579 2367 5525 28.6 28.6 42.8 Moderately Polluted Tributaries 5 Brgy. Sta Lucia, Nagcarlan 718 718 7176 8612 8.3 8.3 83.3 Moderately Polluted 6 Brgy. Bancoro, Nagcarlan 1163 4651 0 5814 20.0 80.0 0.0 Polluted 7 Brgy. Palina, Liliw 0 18945 5526 24471 0.0 77.4 22.6 Polluted 8 Brgy. Balinacon, Nagcarlan 0 718 718 1436 0.0 50.0 50.0 Polluted 9 Brgy. San Francisco, Nagcarlan 6603 2476 0 9079 72.7 27.3 0.0 Clean 10 Brgy. Pook, Rizal 0 754 0 754 0.0 100.0 0.0 Polluted 11 Brgy. Laguan, Nagcarlan 3445 12056 861 16362 21.1 73.7 5.3 Polluted 12 Brgy. Panglan, Majayjay 682 2727 0 3409 20.0 80.0 0.0 Polluted 13 Brgy. Ibabang San Roque, Liliw 646 1292 646 2584 25.0 50.0 25.0 Polluted 14 Brgy. Palayan, Nagcarlan 1508 2261 1508 5277 28.6 42.8 28.6 Polluted 15 Brgy. Cabuyew, Liliw 5525 9473 3946 18944 29.2 50.0 20.8 Polluted

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 33

Table 5a. Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River based on Benthic Macroinvertebrates (May)

Counts (no. of organisms/sq.m.) Percentage Contribution Water Quality Stations CWI MPWI PWI Others Total %CWI %MPWI %PWI %Others Assessment

Mainstream Stn. 1 Mouth of Sta. Cruz 0 1620 0 0 1620 0.00 100.00 0.00 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 2 Sto. Angel 0 5517 0 48 5565 0.00 99.14 0.00 0.86 Moderately Polluted Stn. 3 Pagsawitan 22 855 133 0 1010 2.18 84.65 13.17 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 4 Calumpang 100 22 44 0 166 60.24 13.25 26.51 0.00 Clean Water Tributaries Stn. 5 Sta. Lucia 0 144 100 67 311 0.00 46.30 32.15 21.54 Moderately Polluted Stn. 6 Bancoro 0 2110 33 33 2176 0.00 96.97 1.52 1.52 Moderately Polluted Stn. 7 Palina 221 122 66 11 420 52.62 29.05 15.71 2.62 Clean Water Stn. 8 Balinacon 88 44 0 0 132 66.67 33.33 0.00 0.00 Clean Water Stn. 9 San Francisco 11 11 166 22 210 5.24 5.24 79.05 10.48 Polluted Stn. 10 Pook 11 11 33 11 66 16.67 16.67 50.00 16.67 Polluted Stn. 11 Laguan 88 110 44 0 242 36.36 45.45 18.18 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 12 Panglan 134 0 22 22 178 75.28 0.00 12.36 12.36 Clean Water Stn. 13 Ibabang San Roque 22 55 11 156 244 9.02 22.54 4.51 63.93 Moderately Polluted Stn. 14 Palayan 177 110 33 11 331 53.47 33.23 9.97 3.32 Clean Water Stn. 15 Cabuyew 33 99 0 467 599 5.51 16.53 0.00 77.96 Moderately Polluted

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 34

Table 5b. Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River based on Benthic Macroinvertebrates (November)

Counts (no. of organisms/sq.m.) Percentage Contribution Water Quality Stations CWI MPWI PWI Others Total %CWI %MPWI %PWI %Others Assessment

Mainstream Stn. 1 Mouth of Sta. Cruz 0 2049 0 0 2049 0.00 100.00 0.00 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 2 Sto. Angel 0 931 28 0 959 0.00 97.08 2.92 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 3 Pagsawitan 0 99 0 0 99 0.00 100.00 0.00 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 4 Calumpang 178 0 0 0 178 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Clean Water Tributaries Stn. 5 Sta. Lucia 88 55 0 0 143 61.54 38.46 0.00 0.00 Clean Water Stn. 6 Bancoro 0 0 11 11 22 0.00 0.00 50.00 50.00 Polluted Water Stn. 7 Palina 33 78 11 0 122 27.05 63.93 9.02 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 8 Balinacon 33 55 11 0 99 33.33 55.56 11.11 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 9 San Francisco 0 22 11 0 33 0.00 66.67 33.33 0.00 Moderately Polluted Stn. 10 Pook 66 0 11 0 77 85.71 0.00 14.29 0.00 Clean Water Stn. 11 Laguan 33 11 11 0 55 60.00 20.00 20.00 0.00 Clean Water Stn. 12 Panglan 55 22 0 0 77 71.43 28.57 0.00 0.00 Clean Water Stn. 13 Ibabang San Roque 88 33 0 0 121 72.73 27.27 0.00 0.00 Clean Water Stn. 14 Palayan 99 77 11 0 187 52.94 41.18 5.88 0.00 Clean Water Stn. 15 Cabuyew 243 22 22 0 287 84.67 7.67 7.67 0.00 Clean Water

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 35

Table 6. Results of Microbiological Analysis (May and November sampling) May sampling November sampling Sampling Total Coliform Fecal Coliform Detection of Total Coliform Fecal Coliform Detection of stations MPN/100mL MPN/100mL E.coli MPN/100mL MPN/100mL E.coli Station 1 8,000 8,000 present 160,000 54,000 present Station 2 50,000 50,000 present 92,000 92,000 present Station 3 160,000 160,000 present 49,000 49,000 present Station 4 9,000 9,000 present 54,000 54,000 present Station 5 >16,000 >16,000 present 92,000 92,000 present Station 6 5,000 5,000 present 16,000 5,400 present Station 7 1,300 1,300 present 16,000 9,200 present Station 8 2,400 2,400 present 7,900 4,900 present Station 9 <20 <20 not detected 330 170 present Station 10 16,000 16,000 present 92,000 35,000 present Station 11 >16,000 >16,000 present 160,000 35,000 present Station 12 17,000 17,000 present 17,000 17,000 present Station 13 160,000 160,000 present 240,000 240,000 present Station 14 >16,000 >16,000 present 92,000 24,000 present Station 15 50,000 50,000 present 35,000 35,000 present

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 36

Figure 16. Pictures of Santa Cruz River Stations

Station 1 (May sampling) Station 1 (November sampling)

Station 2 (May sampling) Station 2 (November sampling)

Station 3 (May sampling) Station 3 (November sampling)

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Station 4 (May sampling) Station 4 (November sampling)

Station 5 (May sampling) Station 5 (November sampling)

Station 6 (May sampling) Station 6 (November sampling)

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 38

Station 7 (May sampling) Station 7 (November sampling)

Station 8 (May sampling) Station 8 (November sampling)

Station 9 (May sampling) Station 9 (November sampling)

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 39

Station 10 (May sampling) Station 10 (November sampling)

Station 11 (May sampling) Station 11 (November sampling)

Station 12 (May sampling) Station 12 (November sampling)

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Water Quality Assessment of Santa Cruz River 40

Station 13 (May sampling) Station 13 (November sampling)

Station 14 (May sampling) Station 14 (November sampling)

Station 15 (May sampling) Station 15 (November sampling)

Laguna Lake Development Authority – Environmental Laboratory and Research Division