The Guam Waterworks Authority has issued a boil-water notice after a sample from the water well serving the Agana Heights, Sinajana and Maina areas, A-31, tested positive for E. coli bacteria.
GWA is informing customers not to drink the water without boiling first.
“Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three minutes, and let it cool before using or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water,” GWA stated in a notice to the public.
The utility collected five additional samples from the source, according to the notice. The system was also flushed and chlorine levels and pressures were confirmed to be within acceptable levels in the distribution system, GWA said in the notice.
“We will inform you when tests show no E. coli and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 24-48 hours,” GWA stated in the notice.
E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in human and animal feces, and is considered an indicator organism used to identify fecal contamination in fresh water and the possible presence of disease-causing pathogens, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fact sheet.
“Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems,” GWA stated in its notice.
“The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers about drinking this water,” GWA added in the notice.