By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Raising concerns over contamination in drinking water, Sen. Dwayne
T.D. San Nicolas called for the testing of water imported into Guam.
While Guam imports a significant amount of its water supply each year. According to the Bureau of Statistics and Plans' 2022 import data, water containing sugar accounted for 25.14 percent of the food and drink products imported to Guam, and sugar-free water, 2.64 percent
Public health officials have disclosed that the safety of imported water is currently unclear and not systematically tested.
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency placed the first-ever federal limits on toxic Perfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as "forever chemicals" in drinking water. The rule requires utilities to reduce the chemicals to the lowest level they can be reliably measured.
"With the new health advisories and regulatory actions surrounding PFAS, it's imperative we ensure all water sources consumed on Guam are safe," San Nicolas said.
The Guam Hydrologic Survey earlier identified six contaminated wells scattered across Tiyan, Chalan-Pago Ordot and Hagåtña.
"While GWA focuses on addressing contaminated wells, we cannot rule out
potential dangers from imported water supplies without proper testing," San Nicolas said.
PFAS refers to a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used and may be found in imported water due to their use in consumer and industrial
products globally.
In the final rule, EPA also announced $1 billion in newly available funds through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination.
In February, EPA awarded Guam $23 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for the territory's drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.
"This vital funding will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across Guam," EPA said.
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected over $73 million into water infrastructure projects across Guam.
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