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Warning raised on 16 beach areas
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Posted on Jan 15 2001
The Division of Environmental Quality disclosed water samples collected from 16 locations on Saipan contained excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria (fecal coliform and Enterococci), that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
In order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ is advising the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
DEQ identified the areas as: Beach Aqua Resort Hotel; Beach at Hafa-Adai Hotel; Beach at Tanapag Meeting Hall; Garapan Drainage #2; Beach at Central Repair Shop; Garapan Fishing Dock;
DPW Channel Bridge; Garapan Beach; North Puerto Rico Dump; Sugar Dock; South Puerto Rico Dump; CK Dist #2 Drainage; Beach at Hyatt Hotel; Beach at Hopwood Jr, High School; Beach at Dai-Ichi Hotel; and Garapan Drainage #1.
The bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. However, studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environments may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations on Saipan’s Coast. DEQ welcomes all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water.
