THE Division of Environmental Quality yesterday took another set of water samples from Managaha’s beaches for re-testing.
This is a follow-up on the water sampling and analysis conducted by DEQ Thursday, which showed that five of Managaha’s beach sites contained excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
Rebecca Snider, DEQ spokeswoman, said the results of the laboratory analysis conducted on the water samples will be known today.
“The results will be released today. We encourage the public to call the DEQ office if they have questions or concerns about the report,” Snider told Variety.
DEQ, in a marine water quality report issued on Friday, advised residents and tourists not to fish or swim within 300 ft. of five beach sites on Managaha in the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
That notification on whether the beach sites remain contaminated will be issued today, DEQ said.
The specific areas under the red flag are the swimming areas A3 (northwest) and B4 (north), as well as beaches 7 (east), 9 (southwest) and 10 (west).
The bacteria found could indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. Storm water runoff in tropical environment may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
However, to be more protective of public health, DEQ recommended that individuals use caution and avoid full body submersion within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
