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Bacteria along recreational beaches
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Posted on May 15 2000
At Issue: DEQ warns general public of presence of two forms of bacteria in waters along recreational beaches.
Our View: Please take heed of these warnings. A bout with virus isn’t only costly, but could be deadly, too.
When the Division of Environmental Quality raises red flags along polluted recreational beaches fronting the shores of Garapan, it means it isn’t safe for swimming nor fishing.
When fecal coliform and entrecrococci are found in the water, it means animal and human wastes are present in these waters, therefore, it is advisable that island residents and visitors alike stay away from these places.
We strongly advise the general public to take heed of these warnings given that most lay people aren’t really wary of the consequence of serious viral infections which could be contracted through polluted waters where animal or human feces have been found.
We are quite fortunate that none of our visitors or island residents have contracted cholera through fish caught in our waters or just the accidental swallowing of polluted waters while swimming along recreational beaches. And we claim with pride of our “crystal” clear waters that have apparently turned filthy and unsafe for everybody! A case of cholera originating from our polluted waters is sufficient to send chills among travel agencies who promote these isles in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and elsewhere.
We know that DEQ has been working on some mitigation plan to contain water flow from estuaries in various mountains where water flow eventually land in the Garapan area.
Perhaps such a plan needs to be accelerated in order to resolve the flow of untreated water going into the lagoon. We know it involves a large sum of money and this is where the administration can intervene to fast forward financial assistance from the federal government.
If we don’t resolve this issue soon, then we’d be chancing the deathly tidings of the first case of cholera that originates from polluted “crystal” clear waters that is part of that attractive triad of the sea, sand and surf of these isles. It definitely needs special and immediate attention right here and now! Let’s join hands and work toward its resolution. Si Yuus Maase`!
