Guam water authority loses testing certification
HAGATNA, Guam (AP)—Guam’s Environmental Protection Agency is taking away the water authority’s certification to test drinking water for total coliform and E. coli.
The Pacific Daily News reports the authority failed to identify a sample as positive for E. coli during recent proficiency tests.
Guam EPA Administrator Eric Palacios said Friday the agency has been working with the Guam Waterworks Authority to make sure its laboratory can regain its certification.
The agency will also run periodic samples for quality control.
Palacios says reliable laboratory reports are critical for ensuring safe water.
Coliforms and E. coli are bacteria. Their presence indicates the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste.
Microbes in these wastes may cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms.
