Guam EPA’s Beach Watch Program has issued a beach advisory that includes all 43 beaches due to the large amount of rain received from Tropical Storm Kammuri.
Stormwater runoff pooled water or areas of flooding may contain high concentrations of unsafe bacteria.
Guam EPA staff typically sample 43 beaches every week to test for the presence of bacteria in the water.
This week, staff will not be gathering samples due to weather conditions of excessive rain, strong winds, and high surf received by Tropical Storm Kammuri.
Guam EPA staff conducted visual inspections of all 43 recreational beaches and recommends that all beaches be placed under advisory. Normal sampling will resume next week.
Guam EPA is urging residents to stay safe. Recreational activities in unsafe beaches 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.
If you have any questions regarding this advisory or the Beach Monitoring Program, please contact beach.report@epa.guam.gov or contact Guam EPA at 671.300.4750.
##
