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CUC: Boil tap water as a precaution
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Posted on Oct 23 2019
Due to the recent passage of Typhoon Bualoi in the CNMI, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. issued a “boil water” notice yesterday as a precautionary measure.
According to the CUC notice, the water supply and/or distribution system may have been disrupted and the risk of contamination by coliform bacteria is uncertain.
“This precautionary boil water notice is intended to inform the public of the status of the drinking water supply and what can be done to reduce health risks. If tap water is to be used for drinking purposes, consumers are advised to take precautionary measures by boiling their water before use,” it added.
What should I do? What does this mean?
-BOIL TAP WATER BEFORE USE. Bring all water to a boil, let boil for one minute, then let cool before using, or use bottled water as an alternative. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Purpose of the boiling process is to kill bacteria and other organisms in the water.
This precautionary boil water notice is in effect for all residents of Saipan and Tinian. If you are experiencing stomach ache, diarrhea, or vomiting, see your physician as soon as possible. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking this water.
What is being done?
CUC will continue to monitor chlorine residual throughout the distribution system and ensure that proper treatment is achieved. Water samples will be collected to analyze for the presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli. CUC will inform you when tests show no bacteria and no longer require water to be boiled.
CUC encourages its water customers to share this information with all other consumers, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses, etc.). (PR)
