There were no coliform violation for CUC’s public water system on Rota but Tinian had two, according to the agency’s annual report.
CUC water and wastewater operation manager Mariano Iglecias said the violation on Saipan was detected in February, March, June, July, August, September, October, and December.
In 2007, Saipan had maximum contaminant level of total coliform in seven months, he said.
Iglecias said violations usually occur when treatment equipment fails, and when the shipment of the chlorine treatment cylinders is delayed, which results in periodic low chlorine treatment levels.
Another reason for the violation is when CUC pipelines leak, allowing ground contaminants to enter the pipes, he said.
“As the problems were detected in 2008, the CUC repaired pipelines leaks, or when needed, added extra chlorine to the reservoirs and pumping stations,” he said.
According to Iglecias, the presence of total coliform in drinking water indicates that it may be contaminated with organisms that can cause diseases such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and fatigue.
However, he added, these symptoms are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water and may be caused by other factors.
CUC operates 41 chlorinating stations on Saipan, two on Rota and one on Tinian.
On Tinian, the violation for total coliform was found in April and August
Only one of the 45 samples collected throughout the year contained total coliform on Rota.
