SAIPAN – The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality’s Division of Environmental Quality (BECQ/DEQ) issued a water quality advisory for Saipan West Beaches. The public is advised not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the listed locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
Red-flagged locations (WB codes):
- Tanapag Meeting Hall (WB07)
- Central Repair (WB08)
- Seaplane Ramp (WB09)
- Hyatt (WB15)
- Fiesta / Crowne Plaza (WB16)
- Drainage #1 (between Crowne Plaza and IPI) (WB17)
- Grandvrio Hotel (WB19)
- Drainage #3 (across JP Center) (WB23)
What the flags mean:
- Red Flag — Recent samples contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci) exceeding CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards, indicating possible human or animal waste in the water.
- Green Flag — Samples meet CNMI standards and are considered safe for recreational use.
BECQ/DEQ will update the public when conditions change.
