(BECQ) — Every week, the Bureau of Environmental Quality analyzes water samples collected from Saipan’s west coast recreational beaches and storm drainages, and Managaha’s recreational beaches and dock.
Samples collected from CK District #2 Drain contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria or enterococci that exceeded CNMI marine water quality standards. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
However, studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environments may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
Still, to adequately address public health concerns, BECQ has given the location a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the location for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
As for Managaha, none of the samples collected this week contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria nor did they exceed CNMI marine water quality standards. Therefore, BECQ assigns all of the sampled beach sites on Managaha a green flag. Enjoy our waters!
