Unknown to many, the serene Paoay Lake, known for its legendary past, had been blighted by wastes coming from fish cages resulting in high E. coli bacteria contamination for years. The 387-hectare lake in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, had been largely used for raising fish in cages for decades. Surrounding communities also used it as dumping ground for wastes from backyard poultry and piggery farms. And it is where the local water district draws its raw water source for consumers’ tap water.

Arzadon, C. (2013, February 13). Legendary Paoay Lake comes alive. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A19.