Water Safety Task Force proposed

In light of mounting concerns on the quality of potable water on the island, a task force is being proposed by the House of Representatives to monitor the safety of groundwater resources being supplied to residential homes and commercial establishments.

To be called the Water Safety Task Force. it will comprise one representative each from the Division of Environmental Quality, Department of Public Health, the hotel association, Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association.

The proposal, contained in the bill offered by House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, comes amid alarming reports on the quality of water wells and other groundwater resources here, particularly on Saipan.

The temporary task force is “urgently necessary” to compile, review and disseminate appropriate and accurate information relating to public water safety in the Commonwealth.

One of its duties is to make recommendations to the governor and the Legislature on any needed regulation, legislation, enforcement or other action to protect these water resources from contamination.

House Bill 12-170 was passed the other day and now heads to the Senate for voting. The task force will be established within 15 days from becoming a law and shall be in place for not more than 90 days.

They will be empowered to request documents, reports and any other information from the CNMI or the federal governments, CUC in order to ascertain the safety level of public water.

Likewise, they will be expected to suggest steps that will improve the water quality as well as to monitor and control the dissemination of information regarding all findings on tests, analyses and recommendations.

To facilitate its tasks, they will be allowed to seek federal technical assistance for the costs of contracting water experts and for public education on contamination prevention and maintenance of water quality, according to the legislation.

The House move followed decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct water tests on the island this month to find out if the water wells have been contaminated with volatile organic chemicals.

Earlier tests conducted by DEQ on some water wells on Saipan showed the presence of TCD chemicals and further tests are needed to ensure that they are safe for residents.

Meanwhile, the House during its special sessions this week thumbed down a bill seeking to establish and implement water system development charges to customers whose proceeds would finance development and construction of water and waste infrastructure.

The House Ways and Means Committee said the proposal from Rep. Jesus T. Attao is not the solution to the persistent problems on water as it would only seek additional fees from consumers who are already paying high rates for CUC services.