Guam EPA lifts special advisory

Guam EPA has lifted the special advisory for Toguan River and Bay. The normal beach advisory remains in effect for Toguan Bay.

Guam Waterworks Authority informed Guam EPA this morning that its usage of the overflow bypass system stopped at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8.

“We thank GWA for providing the information about the usage of the bypass and of its returning to normal operations,” said Guam EPA Administrator Eric M. Palacios. “We will continue to work with GWA and our federal partners to protect the health of Guam’s water resources and residents.”

The standard beach advisory is still in effect for Toguan Bay. Swimming, fishing or playing in unsafe waters may result in minor illnesses such as sore throats or diarrhea. It might also result in more serious illnesses such as meningitis, encephalitis, or severe gastroenteritis. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of getting sick when they come in contact with contaminated water.

The Beach Advisory list is part of the Recreational Waters Pollution Report. This report is compiled by Guam EPA’s Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services Division. Since 1974, Guam EPA has performed this community service weekly. The Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services Division takes water samples of 44 recreational beaches every Thursday and analyzes the samples for concentrations of the enterococcus bacteria indicator. Advisories are based on an instantaneous standard of not greater than 104 enterococci/100 ml and a geometric mean standard of not greater than 35 enterococci/100 ml.