REPRESENTATIVE Marissa R. Flores on Thursday asked the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to explain the water contamination it announced on the same day.
In her letter to acting CUC Executive Director Bettina G. Terlaje, the Precinct 3 House member said although the water contamination notice “may be a southern area supply notice, all water systems are inter-connected.”
She said her office is requesting for an explanation of the contamination levels; what caused the contamination; and the harm it could cause to the community if not addressed immediately.
CUC, for its part, issued the following precautionary boil water notice:
“The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation would like to inform customers in the areas of Tun Herman Pan Road (Airport Road), As Lito, Chalan Monsignor Martinez Road from the Shell Dandan Gas Station to ABCD Market in Koblerville, Tottotville and portions of As Perdido and Koblerville, that due to possible contamination of the Dandan Water Tank, CUC isolated the Dandan tank resulting in low water pressure to no water to the Dandan Tank Service Area or TSA of the water distribution system.
“To allow customers access to water for cleaning and sanitary purposes, CUC will reactivate the water supply for customers. However, CUC would like to inform its customers served in the Dandan TSA, that there is a precautionary boil water notice effective today, June 22, 2023, until such time that CUC is able to provide results showing that the water meets Safe Drinking Water regulations.”
CUC said as a voluntary precaution, the water should be boiled before drinking.
“Bring all water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes, 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. All stored water, drinks, or ice made recently from this supply should be discarded.”
CUC said “fecal coliform or E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these waters can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.”
CUC said the “symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. 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 healthcare providers about drinking this water.”
According to CUC, it “inspected the water tank for signs of forced entry and contamination and continues to monitor the bacteriological samples. CUC will inform the public of results 24-hours after obtaining the samples.”
CUC said it will “continue to provide updates to the public of its progress and additional information that may assist with its current Dandan TSA situation affecting customers within the areas.”
For more information, contact CUC at (670) 664-4282 or monitor its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CommonwealthUtilitiesCorporation/).
