(CUC) — This is a drinking water warning for Garapan and Puerto Rico, Saipan.
E. coli bacteria were found in Saipan’s Garapan and Puerto Rico water supply on April 11.
These bacteria can make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.
This is to advise all Garapan and Puerto Rico customers to boil the water before using it.
• Do not drink the water without boiling it first. 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.
Emergency disinfection using chlorine bleach:
• 1 quart of water – 2 drops of chlorine for clear water – 4 drops of chlorine for cloudy water
• 1 gallon of water – 8 drops of chlorine for clear water – 16 drops of chlorine for cloudy water
• 5 gallons – 1/2 teaspoon of chlorine for clear water – 1 teaspoon for cloudy water
Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms..
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. anticipates that the problem will be resolved by midday Friday, April 13.
For more information, contact the CUC water quality laboratory at 322-5140 or the Division of Environmental Quality at 664-8500.