The American Samoa Power Authority is sending samples of the brownish reddish water being pumped from water wells at Tafuna which have been shut down, for testing off island.
The samples are from two high producing water wells at Tafuna which ASPA shut down because they were producing dirty water following recent heavy rains.
Acting Executive Director of ASPA Wallon Young says, “We want to know why the water from these wells are a reddish brownish color.”
He said they want to determine if its from digging in the area or iron in the soil.
It usually takes just a few days after heavy rains for the water to clear up but its now been several weeks and the wells are still turning out “dirty water.”
This is why ASPA has sent water samples for testing off island.
It’s now going on three weeks since the two wells have been shut down which has resulted in low water pressure from Fagaima to Fagatogo.
Young points out that they are pumping water from other well fields to feed the affected area.
He says the cannery has a high demand for water right now.
Residents are frustrated with the water situation, as they are getting dirty water, a trickle or no water at all in their homes.
Young says he understands people’s frustrations and says he too wouldn’t bathe in the water that is coming from the system.
He apologizes for the inconvenience.
