American Samoa EPA Completes the 2022 Sanitary Survey of the Central Water System

The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) recently completed a sanitary survey of the Central Water System, a public water system on Tutuila that is owned and operated by the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA).  The sanitary survey is an assessment required by AS-EPA and federal drinking water regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).  The survey was conducted in collaboration with ASPA and the Hawai`i Rural Water Association. A sanitary survey is required by the Ground Water Rule, a regulation under the SDWA. 

In a survey, a public water system undergoes a physical review of the system’s water source, facilities (e.g., storage tanks, pumps, and wells), operations and maintenance processes of the water system. The survey collects information on water systems and helps AS-EPA determine ASPA’s capacity to deliver potable drinking water to the general public.

ASPA’s Central Water System supplies water to the residents of Fagamalo to Onenoa. The survey unveiled minor deficiencies that have been communicated to ASPA for improvement. In addition, the importance of the information from the survey would reinforce regulatory compliance to ensure safe drinking water for public accessibility. This procedural framework provides AS-EPA with the opportunity to work closely with ASPA on identifying and addressing the needs of a public water system.

The AS-EPA encourages the community to support and recognize the pivotal role they play in protecting clean and safe drinking water. Water is a commodity and therefore, protection is paramount whether it be through conservation efforts or reporting illegal activities such as cross connections and illegal plumbing. The community can help by reporting sightings of people accessing the gated location of water wells and storage tanks, illegal water pipe connections, storage tank leakage, and any source of contamination nearby.

Acting AS-EPA Director William Sili commended ASPA’s Executive Director Wallon Young and his staff for their commitment to ensure that good quality and safe drinking water is available for the public’s access.  He added, “The results of this year’s sanitary survey are reflective of the continuing commitment made by ASPA and our team to ensure that clean water is available for consumption.  We continue to expend all available resources to tackle any threats posed to the public water system and engage collaboratively with ASPA and the community to resolve such defects.”

For more information, please contact AS-EPA at 633-2304 or at info@epa.as.gov