SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation issued a public advisory Saturday evening explaining why water service remains inconsistent across Saipan and issuing a stern warning against tampering with or removing fuel from generators powering the island’s water wells.
CUC said its water wells require electricity to pump water into storage tanks, and while generators have been installed by CUC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there are not enough to power all 130-plus wells across the island simultaneously. As crews expand service into new tank service areas, they must periodically pause to fix water leaks before continuing, because unresolved leaks cause significant water loss and reduce the amount of water that can reach homes.
“Making repairs as we go helps ensure more water reaches customers, rather than being lost through leaks,” CUC said.
CUC is urging residents in the strongest possible terms not to tamper with or remove fuel from any generator. The advisory said keeping generators running is critical to maintaining water service, and any disruption may further delay restoration for the entire service area.
FEMA has provided additional generators to support CUC operations. Residents who see a water leak are asked to report it immediately to CUC at (670) 664-4282.
