The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) today announced that the Agency's laboratory has been fully certified to test and analyze recreational and drinking water for bacterial contamination.
The lab was certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Program. The lab was inspected in June of 2007 and certified on September 13, 2007. The certification is valid until September 1, 2010.
In addition to the lab certification, two of Guam EPA's chemists were trained as Laboratory Certification Officers. After passing the U.S. EPA Laboratory Certification course last September, Guam EPA chemists Rudy Paulino and Edelisa Yanit are now authorized to audit other drinking water laboratories in the region in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Program.
"Providing reliable and timely water quality information is one of Guam EPA's main objectives. The certification of our staff and facilities demonstrates our ongoing commitment to offering high-quality services," said Guam EPA Administrator Lorilee T. Crisostomo. "Our staff will continue working hard to provide reliable data that can be used to protect our precious water resources."
Guam EPA's laboratory analyzes approximately 100 drinking water samples an every year.
The laboratory also analyzes approximately 2,000 water samples annually from 42 beaches around the island as part of the Guam Water Quality Monitoring Strategy. Information from the tests are the basis for the Guam EPA s weekly beach report. The beach report advises residents about the level of bacteria in the water at recreational beaches.
To learn more about the beach report and the laboratory, visit Guam EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services Division (EMAS) visit their Web site.
Guam's certification program is similar to others in the pacific region including American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. The program includes training, reviews of testing procedures, record keeping and equipment maintenance.
Guam EPA's laboratory is located in Tiyan near the former Department of Revenue and Taxation.
