DEQ warns bottled water companies

The Division of Environmental Quality has warned bottled water companies that it will begin random, unannounced sampling in one establishment every week to make sure that they are not endangering the people’s health.

According to DEQ acting Director Antonio I. Guerrero, the agency has recently concluded analyzing a series of random samples taken from the nine CNMI bottled water companies as it stepped up efforts to monitor their operation. In the past, DEQ has conducted random sampling of bottled water companies once a month.

After several tests, the agency found that Crystal Water Company on Saipan has exceeded the maximum level for microbiological contaminants and immediately issued a notice of violation.

Three of eight Crystal Water Company bottled water samples, or about 38 percent, tested positive.

“We had a total of ten inconclusive samples from all the companies we tested. That meant the amount of bacteria in those samples are so great that we couldn’t issue NOVs to these places. But we will continue to investigate and test these companies for specific bacteria and issue NOVs if need be,” said Guerrero.

DEQ is investigating a complaint regarding a five-gallon water bottle purchased from Saipan Ice & Water that contained a visible foreign body. The water inside the bottle tested positive for total coliform. Subsequent tests, however, revealed no contaminants. “We are still investigating the situation. But at this point, it appears to be an isolated incident,” said Guerrero.

He said residents should find out if the companies have an approved automated bottle washing machine in their premises since most of the NOVs issued recently were to those without this equipment.

“Most of the problems we’ve seen have been because of dirty bottles, not the product water that goes into them,” Guerrero explained. If you fill your own bottles, residents are reminded to make sure that they clean their own bottles appropriately. Rinse them with diluted home bleach.

DEQ has ordered Crystal Water Company to immediately post sign on all company buildings that serve water notifying guests, employees, and the general public of the infraction. Failure of the company to respond to this NOV will result in further enforcement action including issuance of penalties.

Those who bought bottled water from Crystal Water Company are advised to take precautions before ingesting it. Bring the water to boil for at least one minute or add two teaspoons of near 5 percent strength, sodium hypochlorite solution (common household bleach) per one hundred gallons of water (or approximately five drops per gallon) and let stand fro 30 minutes before using. (LFR)