SAIPAN — The U.S. Air Force’s 554th Red Horse Squadron out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, is operating two reverse osmosis water purification stations on Saipan, pulling seawater directly from the ocean and converting it into EPA-tested drinking water available free to the community.
Senior Airman Jonathan Wadsworth walked NMI News Service through the operation Saturday afternoon at the Hopwood Junior High School site. A suction screen in the ocean pulls water up to a 20,000-gallon raw water bladder, which then runs through the Reverse Osmosis Purification Unit, adding chemicals to eliminate bacteria before filling a second 20,000-gallon storage bladder. The product water has been tested and cleared by the EPA.
“They are taking water out of the ocean and purifying it and sending it to a distribution point for people to get water for free,” Wadsworth said. “It tastes really good, doesn’t taste like it’s been in the ocean.”
The Hopwood site features a distribution manifold with seven hose bibs. The CNMI Department of Public Lands is handling distribution at the site. Residents should bring their own buckets, jugs, or anything they have. Wadsworth said the team can accommodate any container.
A second identical station is operating at Paupau Beach on the north side of Saipan. Both sites are open daily from approximately 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Residents in San Roque and the north end of the island are directed to the Paupau Beach site.
The Red Horse Squadron arrived on Saipan last Sunday and spent several days setting up equipment and waiting for EPA clearance before opening for distribution. Wadsworth noted the historical significance of operating near beaches where U.S. forces landed during the liberation of Saipan in World War II. “It’s humbling to be here,” he said. “Everyone has been really nice to us. We’re just hoping we can give back a little bit.”
