Red flag on three Saipan beaches

Posted on Feb 02 2001

Samples collected by the Division of Environmental Quality from three recreational beaches and storm drainage’s contained excessive concentrations of fecal coliform and enterococci that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality standards.

Because these bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water, DEQ raised the red flag in the Tanapag Meeting Hall beach, Garapan Drainage No. 1 and Garapan Fishing Dock as it advised the public not to finish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.

DEQ said while the bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water, studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.

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