KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Palau’s Environmental Quality Protection Board has declared the nation’s drinking water unsafe after the turbidity level exceeded the limit set by the agency.
EQPB Executive Director Marhence Madranchar said water samples taken by the agency in several areas indicated high levels of turbidity.
“The water is not safe for drinking because the turbidity level is very high and it will probably last as long as it rains continuously because it brings substantial amount of turbidity to our drinking water,” he said in an interview. The allowable turbidity level is 1 nephelometric turbidity unit, but tests conducted by the agency on the water samples showed that the turbidity level exceeded the limit.
“Anything above 1 NTU is bad and right now it is above the allowable level,” Madranchar said.
He said EQPB will issue an announcement to inform and at the same time warn the public against possible health risks caused by turbid water.
Madranchar advised the public to boil tap water for a minimum of one minute of rapid boiling.
He said this will ensure that the water is treated and completely safe for public consumption.
