Guam Waterworks Authority has LIFTED its precautionary boil-water notice in ALL AREAS WITH STABLE WATER SERVICE. This means areas with adequate pressure, chlorine residual levels in the water, and water sampling and analysis which indicate the water in our distribution system is clear of any contaminants.
As of 2:00PM June 13, 2023 GWA announces that it is lifting its Precautionary Boil Water Notice completely for our Southern Water System, which includes all areas served by the Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant from Ipan, Talofofo to Umatac.
For our Northern and Central Water Systems, GWA is adjusting its Precautionary Boil Water Notice which will now be applicable only to the village of Mangilao, and isolated areas in Barrigada, Ordot-Chalan Pago, Dededo, and Yigo.
A complete listing of villages and the applicable status of the Precautionary Boil Water Notice, as well as information on the areas in which the Notice remains in effect, can be found here:
REGARDING GUAM EPA’S DO NOT DRINK ORDER
In response to the Guam Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA) issuing a ‘Do Not Drink’ Order, on June 6, 2023, Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) General Manager Miguel C. Bordallo assures the public that the Order does not apply to GWA water, and any water coming from GWA has been tested free of contaminants.
“The GEPA order only applies to people and businesses that have purchased water from non-GWA tanker trucks,” said Bordallo. “All water provided by GWA water stations and any water coming through your tap is regularly laboratory tested and certified safe to drink.”
For further clarification on the order issued by GEPA, visit Guam Homeland Security Website.
GENERAL SUMMARY
● The majority of the island’s water production comes from the Northern Water Wells, which then travels through a series of pipes and reservoirs to the Central and Southern parts of the island.
● Currently 91 wells (76% of operable wells are on-line) and producing approximately 32 million gallons of water per day (approximately 93% of pre-typhoon production).
● Guam’s water system relies on adequate water levels in the reservoirs in order for there to be enough pressure to push the water throughout the island.
● Once enough wells have been brought online, and water production sufficiently exceeds demand, GWA will have enough water to fill the reservoirs and provide sufficient pressure to distribute water island wide.
● GWA reminds those residents WITH water service to please conserve water and avoid washing cars, water blasting and other non-essential high water-usage activities to assist with rebuilding reservoir levels and restoring water service island wide.
● GWA continues to implement multiple strategies to bring as many wells online as quickly as possible, and keep them running, including:
1. GPA energizes areas were deepwells are located
2. GPA, GWA, and maintenance contractors continue to repair, maintain and re-fuel existing generators.
3. FEMA generators deployed to well sites where genset repairs cannot be made quickly.
Coordinate with FEMA on re-fueling and maintaining their generators to keep sites operating.
4. Two crews are working to replace pumps and motors in 21 wells. One GWA crew and
one crew made up of GWA, GPA and maintenance contractors. Each changeout takes approximately 12 to 16 hours to complete.
● GWA has restored water to 77% of customers, but due to power fluctuations, temporary outages and/or intermittent service may result. GWA asks for your patience as we work to restore our system to pre-storm conditions.
REGIONAL WATER SYSTEM UPDATE
Here is the most recent update on GWA water restoration progress:
Northern Region:
● The Northern water system facilities are operating normally, with 76% of wells having access to island or generator power.
● 49 wells are currently operating on island power, while 42 are operating on generator power.
● Crews are working to restore 2% of wells needing power, minor repairs or increase of flow.
● 16% of wells require pump and motor replacements, which have been approved by the EPA and began Wednesday, May 31.
● GWA continues to operate all available wells to increase reservoir levels throughout the northern system and send more water to the Central system.
● GWA is also monitoring reservoir levels and making adjustments as we can to achieve additional gains for improvement in water service and pressures.
Central Region:
● The villages of Santa Rita and Agar have been restored, including Cross-Island Rd to Sumac Memorial.
● Talofofo main village has been restored.
● Piti, including the higher areas of Nimitz Hill, Asan and Hagatna are fully restored.
● Until levels in the Barrigada, Chaos and Mangialo reservoirs build, higher elevation areas in Mangilao, Ordot and Chalan Pago will continue to experience intermittent service disruption during peak demand times.
● GWA continues to monitor the system and will adjust as required with increased water production.
Southern Region:
● The Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant continues to operate at a reduced capacity, producing approximately 2 million gallons of water per day when in operation
● Ugum SWTP crews will continue to maintain reservoir levels during periods of low demand.
WASTEWATER SYSTEM UPDATE
The Northern District, Agat-Santa Rita, Umatac-Merizo, Hagåtña and Inarajan Wastewater Treatment Plants are all operating normally.
Although several sewer pump stations were returned to island power, some GWA facilities remain on generator power, and GWA is working with GPA to monitor power status at both GWA wastewater pump stations and treatment plants.
Sewer system overflows may occur as pump station sites may become inundated or lose power during restoration of service. GWA is reporting these overflows to EPA and cautions the public to avoid contact with suspected sewage overflows. GWA is also responding to reports of sewage overflows at private pump station facilities or blocked private sewer mains, and is assisting where it can.
CURRENT PRIORITIES
● Deepwell Operations & Pump/Motor Changeouts
● Temporary Booster Pump Station at Santa Rita/Sinifa
● Water System Restoration
● Water Tanker service to dialysis centers and clinics
● Water Tanker deployment for pocket outages
VILLAGE WATER STATIONS
GWA has deployed nine 6000-gallon Flexible Potable Water Tanks and one 6800-gallon tanker in:
NORTH:
Dededo Mayor’s Office
Mount Santa Rosa Yigo (near observatory)
Astumbo Community Center – (2 flextanks) Dededo
Yigo Gym
Yigo – Gill Breeze Subdivision
CENTRAL
Mangilao – St. Teresita Church (1 flex tank and 1 FEMA tanker)
Adacao Elementary School
SOUTH
Santa Rita / Apra Heights – Sinifa
Santa Ana – Agat
Two GWA and one FEMA water tanker are being used to refill facilities critical to emergency response.
