SAIPAN — The Division of Environmental Quality has flagged two locations along Saipan’s west coast for elevated bacteria levels in this week’s marine water quality report, advising the public not to swim or fish near the sites.
DEQ said samples collected from the DPW Channel, site WB 10, and the AMP Drainage, site WB 12.1, contained concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria known as enterococci that exceeded CNMI marine water quality standards. The agency gave both locations a red flag and advised the public to avoid fishing or swimming within 300 feet of them for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
The division said the bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water, though it noted that studies have shown stormwater runoff in tropical environments may also carry these bacteria from natural sources that are not necessarily tied to public health concerns.
The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality analyzed marine recreational and storm drainage water samples from 38 locations along Saipan’s west coast. DEQ analyzes samples from the island’s west coast recreational beaches and storm drainages each week.
Water quality reports are posted on the BECQ website. The bureau said the public can call 670-664-8500 with any questions about beach water quality.