DEQ gives nod to Crystal Water to resume operation
The Division of Environmental Quality has ordered Crystal Water to resume selling bottled water to the public after subsequent tests showed that it is safe for consumption.
Romeo Urbien, manager of Crystal Water, said the company has been making sure that the water company’s bottles are cleaned thoroughly despite the absence of an automated bottle washer.
“Just like DEQ, we are concerned about the cleanliness of our bottle for the safety of the public. Not having an automated bottle washer is a problem, but even with such a machine, no one can be sure that the bottles are thoroughly cleaned,” said Urbien.
Urbien said Crystal Water would rather wash each bottle manually making sure “that both the external and internal parts are clean.” The company rinses each bottle with sanitizing solution and allows enough contact time for the sanitizing agent to work. Afterwards, the employees again rinse each bottle with hot water before filling with the containers with their water.
“With our tight quality control, we are quite positive that our bottles are clean,” he said. The company complies with the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, DEQ and the Department of Public Health, he said.
And what does Crystal Water think of the recent statements issued by Saipan Ice & Water on the problems besetting small water companies?
“I would advise them to shut up. We are not blaming DEQ nor did we create our own problems. Just like them, we are concerned about the cleanliness of out bottles for the safety of the public,” said Urbien.
Small bottled water companies on the island cannot afford to invest in automated bottle washing machine which cost $20,000 to $30,000. The entry of more bottled water companies on the island forced a number of companies, like Saipan Ice & Water, to lower their price in order to win back customers.
DEQ said it will begin random, unannounced sampling in one establishment every week to make sure that they are not endangering the people’s health.
