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DEQ clears water company
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Posted on Feb 25 1999
The Division of Environmental Quality has allowed PL’s Water Company to sell bottled water again after it has taken corrective measures to ensure that the water and containers are clean and safe.
PL’s Water Company general manager Juan Pedro Kim has installed a bottle cleaning station that includes an initial rinse, chlorinating station, and a hot water rinsing station.
A week ago, DEQ shut down PL’s water company after it has exceeded the maximum level for microbiological contaminants.
DEQ again tested the bottled water and found it negative for total coliform. The agency has set serious drinking water standards since total coliform is a serious health concern. According to DEQ, the presence of these bacteria in drinking water is usually in connection with the problem in the water treatment system which indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease.
Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and possibly jaundice. It is also associated with headaches and fatigues.
DEQ was mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency to conduct regular test on some eight water companies on the island. The CNMI’s Drinking Regulations comply wit the US EPA’s Drinking Water Primacy Act,
The Safe Water Drinking Branch has adopted new standard operating procedures for site inspections, sanitary surveys, sampling plans, monitoring compliance reporting and enforcement of regulations.
Due to the introduction of many chemicals in the Northern Marianas, the Safe Drinking Water Branch is currently implementing new regulations to monitor contaminants such as nitrate, asbestos and mercury. It is also on the lookout for pesticides, hydrocarbon contaminants and lead.
As the commonwealth continues to grow, more materials and chemicals are brought to the island such as pesticides, used oil and other chemicals which could enter the groundwater.
DEQ has conducted a workshop to help businesses on the island understand the drinking water regulations.
