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DEQ shuts Aquabest
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Posted on Jan 26 1999
Aquabest Water Company has been ordered closed by the Division of Environmental Quality after a random testing showed that its bottled water is not safe to drink.
But Aquabest said management is now carrying out corrective measures so that DEQ can give them the go signal to resume operation. “We want to assure our clients that we are doing everything to solve the problem,” said Mikko Magsaysay, general manager.
When Aquabest began operation in June 1998, it immediately got a big market share as it offered more affordable price for its bottled water, thus, forcing the rival firms to lower their rates too.
Test revealed that the samples taken on Jan. 12 and 18 exceeded the maximum microbiological contaminant level established in the CNMI Drinking Water Regulations.
Aquabest was ordered to dispose of all bottled waters last January.
According to Mike Right, public information officer of DEQ, the company was asked to investigate the source of contamination so that it can immediately correct the deficiencies. The closure order was served on Jan 22, 1999.
“There is no exact date on when the company will be allowed to operate again. It will all depend on the results of future test and if they have followed the recommendations to ensure that the water is safe for drinking,” Right said.
But Aquabest management said the problem has been settled and operation will resume this week. DEQ wanted an assurance that Aquabest will dispose of its old water containers so that this can be
At the same time, DEQ recommended certain measures which management must carry out such as installation of an automated bottle washer and an air condition facility in the bottled water station.
DEQ conducts regular test on some eight water companies on the island make sure that the bottled water sold by these firms is safe to drink.
