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DEQ shuts another water company
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Posted on Feb 19 1999
The Division of Environmental Quality has ordered PL’s Water Company to stop selling bottled water to CNMI residents after it was found unsafe to drink.
According to DEQ assistant director Tony Guerrero, test conducted showed that PL has exceeded the maximum contaminant level for microbiological contaminants.
Guerrero said the PL’s bottles are dirty because these were improperly cleaned. The company does not have an automated bottle washer which is essential for any bottled water company.
Second case
This is the second firm ordered shut down by DEQ. Earlier, Aquabest was ordered temporarily closed because its containers were not properly cleaned. Aquabest has since acquired an automated washing machine and is currently in full compliance with the CNMI’s Drinking Water Standards.
DEQ immediately ordered PL’s Water Company to post signs on all company buildings that serve water notifying guests, employees and the general public of the violation.
If the company fails to respond to this notice of violation further enforcement action including the issuance of penalties will be taken, DEQ said.
Health issue
All those who have bottled water from PL’s Water Company are advised to take extra precaution before using it by allowing the water to boil for at least one minute or add two teaspoons of near 5 percent strength sodium hypochlorite solution (Clorox, Purex, etc.) per one hundred gallons of water (or approximately five drops per gallon) and let it stand for 30 minutes before using it.
DEQ sets drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of total coliform is a serious health concern. The presence of these bacteria in drinking water is usually due to the problem with the water treatment system which indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause diseases which include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and possibly jaundice as well as headaches and fatigues.
