CUC: Limited water service returning to villages

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is in the process of restoring pressurized water to some of Saipan’s villages and limited water service was set to begin yesterday afternoon.

CUC will begin charging the lines in three sections, beginning with the village of Chalan Kanoa in the first phase, the villages of Susupe, Oleai and San Jose in the second phase, and the villages of San Antonio and Chalan Piao in the third phase.

CUC Engineering and Operations personnel was set to begin the process yesterday afternoon by pressurizing the lines in phases, beginning with Chalan Kanoa. CUC hoped to complete the second phase yesterday afternoon as well; however, the third phase may not begin until today, Aug. 10.

The limited water service available to these villages will be available for approximately two hours yesterday afternoon and up to four hours once Water personnel make their assessment of the system.

Customers are also asked to check that all household water faucets and hose bibs are turned off as water begins to fill the distribution lines.

Given the challenges posed by Typhoon Soudelor, it is critical for the community to immediately notify CUC of any water leaks. To report water leaks, contact CUC Water Manager Bernard Keremius by calling 888-6615.

As CUC chlorine stations remain offline, the water made available will need to be sanitized through the use of chlorine bleach or boiling before it can be used by the community.

Instructions for sanitizing

FOR BOILING: Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

FOR CHLORINATING: Alternatively, customers may also disinfect their water using bleach. As a result, we advise the community to boil their water or disinfect with bleach using the following measurements:

NOTE: Allow the water to stand in a covered container, away from the sunlight, if possible, for at least 30 minutes.

For more information, visit the CUC website, www.cucgov.org, or contact CUC’s Customer Call Center at 664-4CUC (664-4282). (CUC)