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Rota residents urged to boil water
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Posted on Aug 08 2005
The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation warned Rota residents yesterday that their water could be contaminated due to shortage of chlorine supply on the island.
Although there was no violation in the quality of water in Rota, residents in certain villages are urged to boil their water before using it for drinking, cooking, preparing of food or drink, brushing teeth, and other human consumption purposes.
The affected villages are Malilok, Pali’c, Ginalangan, Sinapalo 1, 2 and 3, Chenchon, As Nieves, Chugai, Gampapa’, Dugi, Mananana, Igua, Talo’, and Kamachili.
“Due to delay in receiving our chlorine cylinder order from off-island and shortage of chlorine supply, water being provided from Onan Springs to [the abovementioned] areas via water pipes may be experiencing low or no chlorine treatment and could be contaminated with potentially disease-causing organism.
“If it is not possible to boil the water due to lack of power or propane gas, water should be disinfected using chlorine, available from liquid chlorine bleach,” CUC said.
CUC said its Saipan office was anticipating a shipment of chlorine supply to arrive this week.
According to CUC, fecal coliforms, E. coli bacteria, or other disease-causing microorganisms may be present in Rota’s water supply.
The presence of these bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes and can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headache, or other symptoms. These microorganisms may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.
However, CUC noted that the symptoms mentioned might be caused by factors unrelated to the drinking water. “If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care provider,” CUC said.
